Retail Action Project (RAP) and Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) at the Highline Ballroom

On February 3rd at the Highline Ballroom, Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping (coming off the successful run of What Would Jesus Buy?) celebrated the essential work of two New York City coalitions fighting for immigrant laborers: the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC-NY) and the Retail Action Project (RAP).

In 2006 ROC-NY members filed a lawsuit against Fireman Hospitality Group, whose holdings include the Redeye Grill and Shelly's New York restaurants, stating the company withheld tips and discriminated against employees of color and employees with immigrant status. RAP has been valiantly battling the infamous SoHo store Yellow Rat Bastard for alleged minimum wage violations, verbal abuse and unhealthy work conditions.

The Rev, Stop Shopping Gospel Choir and Not Buying It Band will bestow Fabulous Sainthood on ROC and RAP, kicked off a year of hot and holy work to make sure ALL New York City workers are respected and paid for their labor. Change-a-lujah!