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Dear Family, Friends, Allies, Grassroots Organizers and Acquaintances,
On Sunday November 30th, Sunday December 7th and Sunday December 14th, I stood in solidarity with members of the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV)/Chinatown Tenants Union (CTU) as they protested the evictions of tenants from 81 Bowery. As an organizer I have a strong relationship with members of CAAAV/CTU and they've always supported the work of my organization, Picture the Homeless and many others around the city. CAAAV/CTU was a strong supporter of my first organizing effort, the Right to the City, August 29th Katrina Commemoration.
During that commemoration many of you as individuals and members of grassroots organizations signed a <b>Pledge of Unity</b>. You promised to support each other in the struggle against the forces trying to gentrify our city. You promised to demand that New York City and the federal government stop displacing our citizens. Well, it’s time to walk the walk.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">The issue CAAAV/CTU is fighting against is not an isolated issue. It is an issue that affects every community in this city. It is the first step in gentrification. If allowed to continue, thousands of people get displaced. It leads to homelessness and criminalization.
No matter what fight your organization is involved in, the fight leads to the same place. Those forces trying to gentrify our city!!! We must show solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Asian community and lend a hand. CAAAV/CTU will appear in front of 81 Bowery on Sunday’s in January 2009 and longer if necessary until New York City and the federal government honors the <b><i>“people’s right to return”</i></b>.
We need to strongly support their efforts. One hour is very little time commitment for such as worthwhile cause. We must <b>unite and fight</b>. Make our voices heard. For more information contact CAAAV’s Chinatown Tenants Union at (212) 473-6485 or email hwong@caaav.org. I know I'll be there.............. I hope you will too........Don’t just talk the talk……..Walk the walk.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">In solidarity,</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Robert Robinson</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Housing Campaign Leader</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Picture the Homeless</div><p> </p>
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