Thousands see support for Freedom Party

On Sept. 19 the Freedom Party marched in the 41st annual African-American Day Parade in Harlem, N.Y., the largest Black parade in the U.S. New York state gubernatorial candidate Charles Barron and Attorney General candidate Ramon Jimenez proudly led the Freedom Party contingent of approximately 150 supporters, wearing Freedom Party T-shirts and buttons. Barron, who is African American, is a New York City councilperson. Jimenez is a Puerto Rican lawyer and activist.

Supporters of the Freedom Party displayed the traditional Black liberation red, black and green flag; there were also flags from Caribbean and African countries. Marchers chanted, “Nov. 2, Vote for freedom!” “Have you heard the news? We’re gonna give them the blues!” “Black & Latino, unity together!” “Charles Barron for Governor!” Eva M. Boyle, an African-American educator, is the Lieutenant Governor candidate.

The Freedom Party is challenging the all-white New York state Democratic Party slate in the upcoming November election. The party is the first Black and Latino/a-led independent political party. It was created to fulfill the heretofore neglected needs of the people by both the Democrats and the Republicans.

After much hard work and long hours of petitioning, Barron and his supporters managed to get nearly three times the 15,000 required signatures for the party to be officially placed on the ballot for this election. The party hopes to also receive the necessary 50,000 votes in the Nov. 2 election, which will enable it to run in the following election.

The Freedom Party is calling for the support and active involvement of everyone, regardless of skin color, who wants to see real, true systemic changes in U.S. society. It is an uphill battle, they admit, but winnable if the power of the people is fully utilized. To register to vote for the Freedom Party slate on Nov. 2, call the Board of Elections hotline at 800-FOR-VOTE or go to www.elections.state.ny.us.

For information on the Freedom Party and how you can participate in the campaign, visit or contact its citywide headquarters at Sistas’ Place, 456 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, 347-636-3660; go to www.Freedompartynys.com; or e-mail [email protected]. Go to www.workers.org to read more about the Freedom Party.