Feb 13, 2025
Contact: Debra Freeman, [email protected], 757-452-1143
A March and Rally For Voting Rights, Housing, Immigration Rights, Schools, and Union Jobs
On February 17, 2025 at 10 a.m, New Virginia Majority (NVM) along with community members and Virginia Organizing, SEIU Virginia State Council, and the Chesterfield Education Association, will march from Abner Clay Park (200 W. Clay St.) to the Bell Tower in Capitol Square (101 N. 9th Street) to demand voting rights for all, affordable housing, quality schools, and more union jobs for working families.
Boaz Young-El, NVM organizing director said, “The importance of non-profit organizations, labor unions, community organizations, and Virginia residents coming together to raise awareness about, and fight for state and local legislation that protects Virginia's working families cannot be overstated, and we will work to fight for a more equitable Virginia.”
“We absolutely must stay with each other, care for one another, and lift each other up. Nothing is more powerful than people coming together,” said NVM member Kimberly Myris.
“The Chesterfield Education Association fights for not only better working conditions for educators and learning conditions for students, but better living conditions for our community. The march is a call to action to come together as Virginians and fight for the dignity and respect we all deserve," said Christine Melendez, Chesterfield Education Association president.
"My co-workers and I made history by becoming the first Richmond city workers to ever negotiate a union contract. That historic contract has guaranteed raises, time off and processes to raise concerns in the workplace to ensure that we are respected, protected and paid. That’s what we all deserve and that’s why we fight for collective bargaining rights and Unions for All!" said Felicia Boney, SEIU Virginia 512 Richmond Chapter Chair and city employee.
"Virginia Organizing believes that all workers deserve a living wage and safe working conditions. All children deserve safe, clean schools and daycare facilities where they can learn while their parents work. And all of us deserve a warm, safe home to come back to at night. Without these fundamental elements no community will flourish. We are marching for the health and safety of our communities," said Delegate McWhorter, Virginia Organizing State Governing Board member.
To speak with an NVM organizer or to speak with a member, contact Debra Freeman at [email protected] or 757-452-1143.
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New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color, in immigrant communities, among LGBTQ people, women, youth, and progressives across the Commonwealth. We organize for racial and economic justice through large-scale political education, mobilization and advocacy around dozens of issues. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic and environmentally sustainable. For more information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @NewVAMajority