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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Marlene Ensaldo, Leader of the Bronx Street Vendors
5:57:11
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3 min
Marlene Ensaldo, leader of the Bronx Street Vendors, testifies about the aspirations of street vendors' children and the importance of street vending for their families' survival and future. She urges the council to make wise decisions based on the commitment of their community and the justice they deserve as a vulnerable population.
- Highlights that vendor's children aspire to various professions, including law enforcement, medicine, and law
- Emphasizes that street vending offers no guarantee other than survival, but vendors sacrifice to provide a better future for their children
- Asks council members to consider the impact of their decisions on the vendor community and their families
UKNOWN
5:57:11
Good afternoon, madam chair of the council.
5:57:14
Oh, okay.
5:57:15
My name is?
5:57:17
Marlene Marlene Ensaldo.
5:57:19
And I am the leader of the Bronx Street Fenders.
5:57:22
And I have been selling street fruit for several years in The Bronx.
5:57:26
At our last membership meeting on April 30, we honored our children and as they introduced themselves, the children, we were able to see what we were building.
5:57:36
Five of the kids aspired to be police officers.
5:57:38
Two others want to be doctors and veterinarians, but one child in particular told the audience that he wanted to be a lawyer to defend merchants and prevent them from taking their wages.
5:57:49
Every child in our homes represents a professional for the development of this, your city and your country.
5:57:56
We street vendors sacrificed our youth and sacrificed our youth and invested our time to leave you to leave for you a different legacy because my work on the streets offers no guarantee other than survival.
5:58:10
That is why we ask you to make wise decisions based on the commitment of our community and the justice that a vulnerable community demands.
5:58:18
On behalf of us and our children, thank you for the opportunity.
6:00:16
Good afternoon madam council speaker and good morning everyone esteemed council members and to the public.