National and local organizers are calling on communities to participate in a collective work stoppage on Friday to mark May Day. This “economic blackout” draws inspiration from protests that began in Minnesota in January, following a rise in immigration enforcement and the tragic shooting deaths of two Americans.
Francisco Moreno, executive director of the North American Mexican Federation Council, emphasized the goal of creating an economy that serves everyone. “We envision a system where there is a living wage, robust labor protections, and accessible programs for housing, nutrition, education, and health care,” he stated during a news conference on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles May Day rally, one of over 100 organized events, carries the theme “Solo El Pueblo Shuts Down the City: No School, No Work, No Shopping.” The rally aims to unite various communities in their collective struggle.
The largest planned gathering will take place in MacArthur Park, a historical center for day laborers and street vendors. This location holds significance, especially after immigration officers conducted raids there last July. Ongoing immigration enforcement and local policies continue to present challenges for street vendors that rely on this community.
Crystal Romero, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, stated the importance of starting the rally at MacArthur Park. “It sends a clear message that we stand united as a community. When one of us faces adversity, we all do,” she noted.
May Day’s Significance in Los Angeles
International Workers’ Day, or May Day, originated from the 1886 strike advocating for an eight-hour workday. Following violent clashes between police and workers, the day evolved into a global movement for labor rights. In the 1990s, activists in Los Angeles successfully intertwined labor rights with immigrant advocacy.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of a significant rally for immigration reform held in 2006. Romero highlighted the role of the federation in offering training on de-escalation and conflict resolution to ensure a peaceful demonstration. Hundreds of volunteers will serve as “peacekeepers” during the rally. “These events aim to foster hope and solidarity among participants, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles,” she emphasized.
Scheduled Events Across Los Angeles County
MacArthur Park
Time: 10 AM
Route: March starts at the corner of South Park View Street and Wilshire Boulevard, proceeding toward downtown Los Angeles.
Organizer: Los Angeles Mayday Coalition
LA City Hall
Time: 12 PM
Location: City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Downtown Los Angeles
Organizer: Union del Barrio and Community Self-Defense Coalition
Boyle Heights
Time: 3 PM
Location: Mariachi Square, 1831 First St.
Organizer: Centro CSO
Long Beach
Time: 10 AM
Route: March begins at the Marketplace, 6501 Pacific Coast Highway, concluding at Mothers Beach.
Organizer: Long Beach Indivisible
San Fernando Valley
Time: 10 AM
Location: Northeast corner of Topanga Canyon and Victory Boulevard, Woodland Hills
Organizer: Indivisible Woodland Hills
Santa Clarita
Time: 10 AM
Location: 24292 Valencia Blvd.
Organizer: Indivisible CA27
Additional Events in Orange County
Orange
Time: Gather at 3 PM
Location: City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Ave.
Second Gathering: 5 PM at Orange Plaza Circle, Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street
Organizer: OC Indivisible Coalition
Santa Ana
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Sasser Park, 600 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana
Organizer: OC Mayday Coalition
