VAMOS Unidos On Rebel Diaz

VAMOS Unidos (Vendedoras Ambulantes Movilizando y Organizando en Solidaridad — Street Vendors Mobilizing and Organizing in Solidarity) expresses our solidarity and gratitude to G1 and RodStarz of REBEL DIAZ for aiding one of our street vendors in the South Bronx as he faced confiscation of his merchandise, summonses ($1000-$4000), and possible arrest. The NYPD’s excessive use of force is clearly evident in the arrest of both members of Rebel Diaz and points to the criminalization of our youth, low wage workers, and poor people of color such as street vendors.

Street vendors experience state repression day to day as they deal with arrests, crippling fines, confiscations, beatings, and abusive treatment by the NYPD. Members of VAMOS Unidos are often incarcerated for 1-3 days, severely beaten, victims of theft by the NYPD, and endure humiliating treatment. Marcela, a flower vendor in the Bronx for seven years, was violently forced to the ground as the police yelled xenophobic comments. She was handcuffed and placed against her cart as police gave her merchandise away. She was then taken to jail where she was kept all day. Although street vending is a hard occupation, it provides income to thousands of low wage working people of color throughout New York, the US, and the globe. Corporate interests have consistently used their power and influence to squash any growth and reverse any wins by street vendors. So is the case in New York where the street vending cap has not increased in almost 30 years. New York’s City Council continues to avoid the issue which has only worsened the conditions for street vendors creating underground markets where cart licenses are sold for up to $30,000 per year. Street vendors are forced to pay such high prices for the ability to work without being arrested or severely fined. This intentional criminalization of thousands of immigrant workers on our streets allows NYPD a free pass to harass, assault, and abuse vendors.

VAMOS Unidos is preparing to launch a campaign this July to increase the caps on street vending. We need everyone’s support, as we cannot win alone. Support is needed by volunteering, attending actions of street vendors, outreach, raising donations, and the like. Any help has a tremendous positive impact on the ability of VAMOS Unidos to come closer to achieving our goals.

We stand in solidarity with any community members standing up for the rights of street vendors and all poor people of color in this city against police abuse.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!