Labor support for DC protests

TO:      MWC Affiliates, allies, supporters and activists
FROM:  Acting President Andrew Washington
RE:      Labor support for DC protests

​“In this house,” the AFL-CIO tweeted earlier this week, “we will continue to fight for economic, social and racial justice with every fiber of our being.”

Today, union members working for the city’s Department of Public Works painted “BLACK LIVES MATTER” in giant letters on 16th Street, and the 2-block stretch in front of The White House was renamed "Black Lives Matter Plaza."

This weekend, tens of thousands are expected to turn out across the city to support the struggle for justice. I strongly urge you to do so as well, demonstrating that organized labor stands with our brothers and sisters.

As the Communications Workers of America said earlier this week: “We will never build enough power as working people if an entire community is living under the threat of death and subject to discrimination based on the color of their skin. We will never build enough power if an entire community has its neck under an oppressor's knee.” See below for links to statements from other unions and allies. 

See below for actions planned over the next few days, check here for updates. Email [email protected] if you have information on other events we should let folks know about and we'll update on our calendar. 

The labor movement stood shoulder to shoulder with the Civil Rights movement. Let’s make history again: turn out...speak out...vote!

Friday, June 5, 2020
Vigil hosted by various religious Institutions
5:00 PM- 6:00 PM All of 16th St. NW

“Turn Out” Protest/Discussion hosted by @StopCopTerrorDC
6:00 PM Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW DC

Saturday, June 6, 2020
March for Justice hosted by @udclaw: 1:00 PM U..S. Capitol, Pennsylvania and 3rd Streets SW
Protest Hosted by @FFDC2020; 2:00 PM Dirksen Senate Office, 50 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

March promoted by @TheDMVDailyy: 5:00 PM Malcolm X Park, 2500 16th St. NW DC
Queer/Trans Rally/March hosted by They/Them Collective: 5:00 PM Dupont Circle

Sunday, June 7, 2020
D.C. Black Lives Matter March & Protest hosted by Christele Mushagasha; 3:00 PM Dupont Circle
SongRise will be joining in solidarity with protesters at the March and will be performing: I’m Gon Stand orig. written and performed by legendary social justice a cappella group, Sweet Honey in The Rock; and a new original song call Rest in Peace (Ignite the Flames of Justice), which will include DC area singers who are willing to join in a flashmob style performance of the song. RSVP here for Choral Flashmob 

Monday, June 8, 2020
Making Space to Breathe/Gathering to Grieve; Hosted by @GalvanizeDC and Actors Arena; 7:00 PM- 7:30 PM At Arena Stage, Corner of 6th and Maine St. SW DC
​
STATEMENTS BY UNIONS & ALLIES*
AFL-CIO * AFGE * AFSCME * AFSCME 2910 * APWU * ATU 689 * CSEA * CWA * CWI *  EPI * AFA * IAM * IATSE * IBEW *  ILA * IUPAT * KILWP * LIUNA * NALC * NNU * NYTWA * OPEIU * OPEIU 2 * SAG-AFTRA * 32BJ SEIU * TWU * UNITE HERE! * VA AFL-CIO * United Association * UFCW
* email links to additional labor statements to [email protected]