By Rev. Roy M. Terry IV

A march for human rights and an end to modern slavery. Sixteen hundred feet marched Saturday, April 2nd, through the streets of Palm Beach, Florida. The march was a call to action, holding fast-food giant Wendy’s accountable for ignoring the abuses occurring throughout their unregulated food chains. The protest also called Wendys to join the modern world and sign the “Fair Food Program,” offering fundamental human rights to farmworkers and their families. This was the first significant action of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers since shutdowns related to the pandemic. Everyone involved in the action was thrilled to be able to gather together again and offer a physical witness to this critical work for justice.

Among the 800+ participants were United Methodists joining together with siblings of a broad collection of farmworkers, denominations, non-profit groups, student movements, and other faith traditions. The action represented the fantastic tapestry of the great human family. It was a sign of the kin-dom. Along with several United Methodist churches were representatives from the Florida MFSA, Florida Annual Conference office, and United Methodist Women. Bishop Ken Carter, resident Bishop of Florida/Western North Carolina Conferences, penned a letter to Wendy’s CEO Nelson Peltz asking him to lead Wendy’s into this new day of hope and corporate responsibility. In 2015, the Florida Conference approved a resolution supporting the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and their efforts to bring Wendy’s and other corporations to the “Fair Food Program.” Wendy’s is one of the few fast-food companies that have yet to sign the agreement. Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Burger King, Chipotle, and many others have all signed, participated, and contributed to this greater good. Wendy’s blatantly disregard for cases of modern slavery occurring throughout unregulated farms leaves them culpable.

Palm Beach was selected for this action as it is the new location for the corporate office of Wendy’s. CEO Nelson Pelts also owns a home in Palm Beach. Those gathered enjoyed a beautiful day together, prayed, peacefully marched, and let the community and world know that such abuses need to end. This action was also the first time in 60 years that a protest march had been held in Palm Beach. The CIW and its allies would like to invite you to take action, lend your voice, and let Wendy’s know we want them to join this good work. This is an international effort; there are Wendy’s worldwide. Take the time to act. Get involved in one of the great civil rights movements of our time. There are plenty of ways you can get involved.

Rev. Roy M. Terry IV is the pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Naples, Florida. Cornerstone is located just 30 minutes from the CIW headquarters in Immokalee, Florida. The church has been an ally of the CIW since its early years. Roy is a creative who enjoys playing guitar, writing music, painting, and has written a work of theological fiction entitled “Light Through a Rusty Roof.” Brian D. McLaren recently endorsed the book saying, “A great read that will take you places you need to go.”