Working Class Stories

New York City depends on the labor of essential, immigrant workers. Even before the pandemic, working class immigrant communities, Indigenous, Black and brown people have always been the essential workers who sustain the city, state and country. Our people have been on the frontlines of the pandemic and multiple other crises, putting their lives on the line to survive and take care of each other in the face of a government that has sidestepped its responsibility to meet working people’s needs. 

This collection of working class stories offers the daily experiences of workers who have made commitments to build power and organize for better conditions. It aims to amplify the voices of working class communities of color who are the backbone of society. Explore the collection below which features profiles and stories of various DRUM members and leaders who have been involved in different campaigns to win material benefits for immigrant and undocumented working class communities.

As we build our collective power and organize for the survival of our communities, we are also committed to uplifting and contributing to working class culture. We make space to tell stories about the ways that working people survive, thrive, struggle, dream, and build communities of care. Creating working class culture doesn’t just make our movements beautiful. We create to reflect, envision, transform and take collective action. We share our stories to build deeper connections amongst each other, highlight the present realities of working class life, and conspire to create our working class futures.