“As a child of immigrant parents and the granddaughter of a bracero, I’m here to support the rights of all immigrant workers,” said Rose Nava, an LA County court reporter who attended the march, which took place downtown on Sunday, May 1. The event attracted several thousand people, including entertainers, religious leaders and other grass roots community activists.Retired Nurse Rosie Martinez said she came out to the march to show her support for working people across Southern California. “Rich people are making more money than ever,” said Martinez, pointing out that the average CEO makes more than $11 million dollars a year. “It’s time that we fix our economy so working people can once again afford to live middle class lifestyles in the communities where they grew up.”
The May Day Parade is an annual event in Los Angeles which commemorates International Workers’ Day, a holiday celebrated around the globe. In recent years Los Angeles’ May Day activities have focused on the rights of the region’s immigrant communities.
This year’s march also centered on corporate influence on politics. Across the country, anti-worker politicians and their corporate allies are introducing legislation in states like Wisconsin that strips teachers, nurses and bus drivers of their collective bargaining rights. “California wants everyone to have a voice at work!” Social Worker Akbar Chatman told the cheering crowd. “Workers should be able to unite and bargain for better wages and benefits.” Watch VIDEO of Akbar here.