As we noted in our feature on tomorrow's May Day marches, pressuring Congress to implement comprehensive immigration reform -- the focus of massive demonstrations in 2006 -- is just one of several goals organizers of this year's event hope to promote. Speaking to the AP, Emma Lozano, head of the Chicago-based Centro Sin Fronteras, elaborates:
"In the past, most of the marches you've seen mostly Latino, mostly immigrant or descendants of immigrants," said Emma Lozano, head of the Chicago-based Centro Sin Fronteras. "We want to make an effort (at unity). We need to come together."
If the list of participants is any indication, organizers are well on their way. Chicago LGBTQ groups have issued an open invitation for queers and queer immigrants to join in solidarity with May Day organizers. Representatives from Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH Coalition have attempted to build support for the demonstration in the black community. Chicago labor unions have been active as well.
It's fitting that labor is involved, considering that International Worker's Day originated in Chicago 122 years ago. The holiday was intended to commemorate the Haymarket riot and to protest Labor Day, whose creators sought to disassociate unions from organizations and workers offering more strident critiques of the era's pressing social issues.
Up to 50,000 are expected to participate tomorrow, so be sure to join the fun. The rally begins at Union Park (Ashland and Lake) at 10 AM, with the march following at noon.
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