At the beginning of December, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota members joined members of Minnesotans for a Fair Economy and its partner organizations to Take Back the Capitol. From December 5-9 thousands of peaceful protesters from around the country rallied in Washington, D.C. to send a message that Congress needs to represent the 99 percent, not just the 1 percent.
Jermaine Rayford, a Cook at Fairview Southdale Hospital joined in those protests. Rayford, who has been a steward for almost five years, has always found himself in a role of advocate and fighting for equality and the rights of others. Even while working in management for 11 years he found himself fighting to protect the rights of his employees.
In becoming a steward, Rayford has been able to continue that same fight. Recently, he has been looking for new ways to be a voice for those in need, which is why he decided to join the protest in D.C.
Not knowing what to expect in D.C., Rayford was a little apprehensive when he first signed on for the trip. That is until he arrived. Once there he couldn’t believe the strength and unity from so many people coming together for a common purpose, “I was, and still am, amazed by the leadership and togetherness of over 3,000 people.”
Growing up in a single parent home, and never knowing where his next meal would come from, Rayford felt that the fight of the 99% was his fight too. “People from all walks of life came together, people who never met before, people with all different kinds of issues and struggles came together for the same fight…AMAZING!”
Rayford could feel the excitement and energy from so many people who had joined together to Take Back the Capitol. “I could see in everyone’s face that they were fed up, and were ready to do something about it. That’s when I felt at ease. All these people came together for the same fight………WE ARE THE 99%!”
Along with several other SEIU Healthcare Minnesota members and thousands of protesters, Rayford took part in a march on K Street—the center of Washington DC corporate lobbying. Rayford carried one of the giant “99% Street” banners that blocked off K Street as activists from OccupyDC, members of the clergy, and unemployed workers were arrested in a non-violent act of civil disobedience designed to focus attention on the country’s economic emergency.
After marching in the streets, Rayford felt that, “the march on K Street was an eye-opener. Being with all those people in the K Street march to make change, I had tears in my eyes. This is all new to me but I don’t want us to return to Minnesota satisfied, I want to do what I can contribute to keep this going.”
“Our fight does not stop in DC. Our fight must continue and I want to be a part of this fight.”
