Churches Rally Alongside Immokalee Workers in Sweltering Heat

By Pauline J. Chang

Irvine -- Members of the several denominations and church groups cheered and marched alongside the Coalition of Immakolee workers as they walked 44 miles amid the sweltering sun in Southern California for three days, March 2 - March 5.

“Obviously marching 44 miles is exhausting, but it was energizing to see the workers’ spirit and plight,” said Noelle Damico, a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and staff coordinator for the event.

The Southern California march was part of the 10-day “for FAIR food that respects human rights, not fast-food that exploits human beings" movement that took to the road on February 25th. More than 100 farmworkers from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), the Florida-based farmworker organization spearheading the national Taco Bell boycott, set off on the 2004 Taco Bell Truth Tour, taking the truth about the exploitation behind Taco Bell's products to consumers from Kentucky to California.

The Tour’s highlight was the 3-day event, which included a 44-mile march from East LA to Taco Bell’s corporate headquarters in Irvine, CA. The march ended with a major five-hour rally.

According to Rev. Damico, the rally united several different denominations who came out to the rally.

“The first denomination to endorse the boycott was the united church of Christ in July of 2001. Then, a Presbyterian endorsed it in July of 2002. Then we were followed by the American friends, the Unitarian service committee, the Christian Church disciples of Christ, the NCC which has a body of 36 denominations joined us, and last week, the California Coalition of Churches also joined,” said Rev. Damico.

Following their 3 day rally and march, the St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, provided room and board for the exhausted workers.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories