Freedom Riders rally for equality

Leticia Santo, an immigrant worker from the Philippines, worked at the San Francisco… Leticia Santo, an immigrant worker from the Philippines, worked at the San Francisco International Airport along with her two daughters.

They were making ends meet until regulations, implemented after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, stipulated that only U.S. citizens could be employed as airport screeners.

Santo was promptly dismissed from her job, and her two daughters, who had already gained legal status, were required to take a test to remain employed. Both daughters failed the test and were subsequently fired.

Stories such as Santo’s number in the thousands.

Following in the spirit of the Freedom Riders of the 1960s, a new generation is taking on the challenge of ensuring that everyone has access to civil rights – including the masses of immigrants who work in the United States.

Boarding 10 buses from various cities, more than 800 immigrant workers stopped in 100 destinations in the country to rally for support.

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003, the immigrant workers’ freedom ride came to Pittsburgh. Participants shared their stories and asked for Pittsburgh’s support in ensuring civil rights to immigrant workers.

Starting at the Hill House, the Riders and their local supporters marched to Freedom Corner at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Crawford Street. Once reaching the corner, they lit candles to inspire Pittsburgh to rally with them in support of immigrant workers’ rights.

Welcomed by one of the original freedom riders, the crowd chanted, “No justice, no peace.”

Later, at a forum in St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, the riders shared their personal stories.

One rider cut pizza all day for a temporary employment agency, charging three cents per slice.

Another paid a $3,000 lawyer fee for a letter of employment that was not needed for her to be employed.

Others told stories about their family members being taken from their family and deported.

Bishara Constandi, originally from Pakistan and one of the current freedom riders, was placed in detainment for three months because he was perceived as threatening – even though he is a legal citizen.

“Just because the U.S. does not cause immigration, [that] does not remove it from the responsibility of protecting [everyone’s] natural rights,” Constandi said.