University of California, Riverside: "Crossing Borders, Crossing Movements: Immigrant Workers' Rights in Southern California and Beyond"

Written by Susan, UCLA Alumna and Community Advocate

May 22, 2008

The conference brought together scholars and representatives from unions and workers' organizations to present their work regarding immigration, immigrant workers, and their rights. Once the event began, the Underground Undergrads publication team listened to several of the panelists including representatives from Lideres Campecinas, the Garment Workers' Center, UNITE-HERE, and Laborers' International. Their stories, especially those from workers themselves, were inspirational.

After a day full of inspirational and educational words, audience members were eager to call it a day. This was before we had our chance to present on Underground Undergrads. Suddenly, when our team went up to speak, the clouds darkened, rain turned into hail and everyone who was leaving or had already left decided to come back to the room and listen to the Underground Undergrads share their stories. After speaking, everyone in the room left with a book, and our speakers were asked to autograph the books. And the student leaders from UCR's Mecha and PODER asked us to share more about the experiences that are chronicled in the book. Overall, it was a fine day to be at UCR and to see such a large support for the text and students.

Here is a link to the UCR Labor Studies Department: http://www.laborstudies.ucr.edu/