The day was sunny, the mood was energized and the resolve was strong, as people gathered on a street corner to denounce hate and bigotry in our schools and beyond last Saturday. The event was initiated by Lexy Zissu and Olli Chanoff, parents of a New Paltz Middle School student. They were upset by the District's lack of response to ten incidents of hate in New Paltz schools, which included swastika graffiti and students calling others the n-word. The event, co-organized by New Paltz Women in Black, expanded to include support for all the marginalized and vulnerable people in our community who are targets of hate, bullying and intimidation.
We thank our co-sponsors (listed below), the wonderful speakers and all who attended to take a stand against racism and bigotry and to affirm New Paltz and our Hudson Valley as hate-free zones!
We are also grateful to the performers who enlivened the day with music and puppetry. A big thanks to the amazing Tinhorn Uprising brass band, the dramatic Red Wing Blackbird Theater and the lovely and impactful Resisterhood Choir led by Debbie Lan. Also thanks to the Cronin Art Gallery at Water Street Market where we began the day making signs!
It takes a community and we are fortunate to live in one that stands for unity and equal rights for all!
Amy Myslik, representing NYS Rep Jen Metzger’s office
Elana Michelson of the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network
Galo Vasquez, New Paltz Socialists
Jane Toby, Jewish Voice for Peace
KT Tobin, Deputy Mayor of New Paltz
Superintendent Maria Rice
Masha Shmarina, Wallkill HS student representing Amnesty International, HV Chapter
Rachel Labare, New Paltz Democratic Women
Sophia Skiles, Board member & organizer of vigils for Black Lives
Tanya Marquette, Concerned Parents of New Paltz
Victoria Nazario, student at Roundout Valley HS, representing the Human Rights Club.
Photos by Lexy Zissu, New Paltz Democratic Women and Barbara Upton
Thanks too to our supportive co-sponsors- please support the good work of all of them-
The ReSisterhood
New Paltz Democratic Women
New Paltz Racial Equity Coalition
March On Hudson Valley
Indivisible the Fight Is On
AAUW, KIngston
ENJAN- End New Jim Crow Action Network
Move Forward New York
Indivisible Ulster
U-Act (Ulster Activists)
Ulster Immigrant Defense Network
Roundout Valley HS Human Rights Club
Concerned Parents of New Paltz
New Paltz Socialists
The Maya Gold Foundation
Amnesty International, Hudson Valley Chapter
GLSEN Hudson Valley
Jewish Voice for Peace- Hudson Valley
And biggest thanks to Lexy Zissu and her partner Olli Chanoff for their leadership and making this whole thing happen!
If you would like to stay involved in making the New Paltz schools hate-free, welcoming and safe for all students contact Lexy Zissu at az@alexandrazissu.com
If you would like to continue to fight for acceptance, understanding and justice for all, contact Barbara Upton of New Paltz Women in Black at anahatasun@aol.com.
BREAKING! Check out our front page coverage in the New Paltz Times!! https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2019/06/12/new-paltz-rallies-against-hate-in-its-schools-beyond/?fbclid=IwAR0wWsqamuAW4dH1qIgvhpnG9cna4kWBQTC6cusWzB5vaphFndjtgYkWMPs
