Thousands march on May Day in Oakland

Published on Sunday, May 02, 2010
Last updated on 02:15PM, Monday, May 3, 2010
May Day March Marchando en Oakland, by dignidadrebelde

May Day March Marchando en Oakland, by dignidadrebelde

On May 1, thousands marched through Fruitvale and down International Boulevard in Oakland to City Hall, for a lively, emotional rally.

Carrying American flags and posters with messages including "Brown and Proud," "We are all Arizona" and "Legalizacion Ahora," participants listened to speeches from organizers from Mujeres Unidas y Activas, Anakbayan East Bay, Xicana Moratorium Project and Filipino Advocates for Justice on a day when worker's rights and solidarity were celebrated.  Many participants--and speakers--referenced Arizona's restrictive SB 170--calling for its retraction. Posters by dignidadrebelde's Melanie Cervantes and Jesus Barraza were carried by many in the crowd, and visible all over Oakland.

 

About Susan Mernit
Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner, her housemate, a rescue dog named Cazzie, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist who's found home in Oakland.