John Ervin and his daughter Malaika Ervin 4, listen to participants at the steps of Modesto High School after the march Against Gang Violence in Modesto, CA

Photo by Marco Moreno of El Tiempo de Modesto

Rally organizers said their effort to curb gang violence won’t stop with Saturday’s march. They plan on hosting another march soon. They also say one of the most effective ways to get through to vulnerable youth is through mentorship programs.

 
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Veteran’s honor the fallen. Photo by Shane Grant

Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.

Never too young to say “Thank You”. Photo by rchan

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (5/20/08)—Silicon Valley janitors, mostly immigrants from Mexico and Central America, walked out of Cisco Systems and Yahoo buildings in the first day of a Bay Area-wide strike intended to force building service contractors to sign a new agreement with their union, Service Employees Local 1877.

All photos and story by NAM associate editor David Bacon.

The union represents more than 6,000 janitors in the San Francisco area, whose wages are not even half what the Economic Policy Institute says it takes to meet basic needs for a family of four, or $54,000 annually.

It takes more than 77% of a Bay Area janitor’s wages to rent a one-bedroom apartment in San Jose. LA/Orange County janitors just signed a new contract after a one-day strike, and now have to work only 6 months to become eligible for medical care.
In the Bay Area it takes 2.5 years.

“Silicon Valley’s wealthy corporations could do the right thing, but are so far choosing to leave hardworking families struggling to make ends meet,” said Mike Garcia, president of Local 1877.

Also, check out articles in New America Media category: immigration

Allison Mark (left), the minister of community and young adult outreach at Buena Vista United Methodist Church in Alameda, talks with a trucker after giving him a blessing during his lunch hour.

A group of pastors, priests, rabbis and ministers blessed the trucks and drivers at the Port of Oakland last week. The drivers are paid low wages and lack union representation, the religious leaders say.

Photos by Pete Micek.

A Roman Catholic priest douses a truck cab with holy water.

The Port of Oakland produces $40 billion per year with around-the-clock business.

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Cyclone Nargis swept into Burma on Saturday May 3 2008, killing thousands and causing widespread damage.

All photos below from Disaster Emergency Committee.

Red Cross Aid

Young Red Cross volunteers help their adult mentors as best they can to help some of the 1.5 million people estimated to be affected.

Child of the World

A bemused and still shaken girl sits on her new bed … a few blankets folded on a Yangon street.

Queue for Food

Children line up for what limited supplies may be available for distribution.

Joining together

Militaristic politics have hindered aid, but some organizations have been sanctioned by the ruling Junta.
Please donate to these organizations

Save the Children.
Oxfam.
Care International.