For Hispanic Heritage Month, NYSUT gives back

n celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, NYSUT highlighted the importance of literacy at an October event held in partnership with the Labor Council of Latin American Advancement and Capital District Latinos. Union volunteers distributed scores of free books at the Albany event.

“Giving children books of their own is one of the best ways to spark a lifelong love of reading,” said J. Philippe Abraham, NYSUT secretary-treasurer, whose office oversees the statewide union’s social justice program.

“The union is happy to come together with like-minded organizations to make a difference in the lives of children.”

Union volunteers also helped staff a food pantry and clothing giveaway. Capital District Latinos offers the region’s first culturally responsive food bank, providing Hispanic food staples not always found at mainstream food banks. The event was open to all residents in need, regardless of ethnicity or income level. Citing the importance of the effort, Abraham noted that “many families who don’t qualify for SNAP benefits still struggle to put food on the table.”

“There’s such a need in the community for help. This does a deep dive to alleviate food insecurity,” she said. “Programs like this give hope to so many families.”

Preya Krishna Kennedy, Bethlehem Central Teachers Association, agreed. She and her husband David Kennedy, Troy TA, both volunteered. The culturally responsive nature of the food bank is particularly important, said Krishna Kennedy. “It’s about recognizing and respecting people’s cultural identities and finding new ways to help.”

Felix Quinones, CDL’s director of operations and development, appreciated the statewide union’s help, particularly the book giveaway.

“The educational aspect is so important because it helps to change the false impression that the Latino community doesn’t have an interest in education,” Quinones said.