May Day marches raise up immigrant workers

Sweeping down from Dupont Circle, from Lamont Park and Malcolm X Park, thousands of immigrant workers and their allies rallied in front of the White House on Monday to protest the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies. “Even immigrants with papers are scared to go out, (and) feel discriminated against,” said 32BJ SEIU DC janitor Santos Reyes. "Mr. Trump why do you hate us?" asked 10-year-old William. More than 100 local businesses signed up to support the march in DC as well as sister marches in York, PA and Richmond, VA. While some businesses closed, others gave the day off to employees who wished to participate in the march. Despite gusty winds and overcast skies, spirits were high as the colorful crowds surged through the streets of the nation’s capital, chanting, singing and even dancing as onlookers cheered them on and cars honked their support. “Whose country? OUR country!” and “Tell me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like!” were among the popular chants. Similar marches and rallies took place around the country, turning the day into a virtual holiday for many, as May Day is in nearly 70 other countries.
- report/photos by Chris Garlock

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