Coalition of Immokalee Workers

PHOTOS AND REPORT FROM 2004 CIW
"YEAR OF THE WORKER PARTY"

Every year is the Year of the Worker in Immokalee, because Immokalee is a town of workers. The community grew out of the need for labor created by the agricultural industry in Florida and its fight for better wages and labor relations is what has put it on the map today. This banner, created by several CIW members, reflects that fight, depicting the upcoming march on Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, California.	As the 2004 party got started, the line was long (and a little unruly...) at the sign-up table, where people filled out surveys on the CIW's new low-power FM radio station (letting their preferences for music, language, and program content be known for the radio team putting the new station on the air) while others signed up for the Truth Tour in February.
But once the music started, the party really got going, with a record five bands playing this year.	And, of course, the biggest crowd-pleaser was again, as always, Fernando Arau of "Despierta America," Univision's incredibly popular national morning show.
An as always, Fernando's jokes and heartfelt solidarity brought smiles to faces, young and old.	But this time, Fernando brought a friend... Ana Maria Canseco, a co-host on Despierta America. The dynamic between the created a scene that, if possible, topped even Fernando's unforgettable appearances at past Year of the Worker events.
The two, joined by Lucas Benitez of the CIW, acknowledged the crowd's applause...	Then posed for the first of what must have been hundreds of photos with appreciative CIW members.
And appreciative we were. We conclude the report from the 2004 Year of the Worker Party with this montage...	a montage of the faces of the CIW...
faces of Immokalee...	... faces of people who have one day a year to celebrate their tremendous contribution to this country, and that day -- in Immokalee -- is the CIW's Year of the Worker Party. See you in 2005!

Coalition of Immokalee Workers • PO Box 603, Immokalee, FL 34143 • (239) 657-8311 • workers@ciw-online.org