“We are Many, They are Few – Stop the Billionaire Coup” was the theme of the annual People's World International Workers Day rally, flowing from the May Day marches in Connecticut. Leslie Blatteau president of the teachers union where the event was held and Rev Scott Marks together with high school student leaders of the march welcomed the packed hall.
This May Day is a crucial fight for our lives and future against powerful billionaires, said emcee Jahmal Henderson, expressed support for IAM, UAW, 1199 and Teamsters workers who have authorized strikes, and solidarity against deportations.
“May Day Around the World” slideshow narrated by members of the YCL showed in photos how workers in every country are demonstrating and organizing against the greed and control of global capital including the Hands Off mobilizations acrouss the US and in other countries. Unprecendented May Day marches on every continent, across the US and in Connecticut were highlighted.
Singing, clapping hands and stomping feet filled the room as Scotticesa Marks Miller performed Change is Gonna Come and led the civil rights song “Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around.”
Immigrant rights activist Teresa Quintana shared a beautiful Bolivian song while playing guitar. Brian Jarawa Gray wripped up the resistance songs with “the beat goes on” African drumming.
A People's World e-book published on the 40th anniversary of the clerical and technical workers union at Yale, Unite Here Local 34 was rolled out featuring stories in People's World from 1984 to 2024 and presented by union leader and Alder Adam Marchand along with Local 34 retiree and chair of the Art Perlo Yale Workers Club Mary Thigpen.
May Day demands included support for SB 8 to allow unemployment insurance to striking workers, and the CPUSA Rapid Response calls to Congress, highlighting that week's “Test Case for Democracy “ for the immediate release and due process for Kilmar Abrageo Garcia.
A spirit of unity and hope filled the air as the rally drew to a close with chants led by the May Day march organizers.
No comments:
Post a Comment