Protestors gather for May Day National Day of Action
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- For many people, the start of May means the start of gardening, opening up pools and finishing up classes. But for these people, May Day is the time to take a stand.
"We want to encourage those with like-mindedness as we have for democracy to join us and feel that they have a voice," Persisterhood of St. Joseph member Nancy Zeliff said. "We want the community of St. Joseph and others around us to know that they're not alone and we are not in favor of what's going on in Washington, D.C. and Jefferson City. We're speaking up."
Across the country, working people plan to protest the Trump administration to “stop the billionaire takeover" from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on the Belt and Frederick Intersection.
Historically, May Day events honor the achievements of the working class and labor movement. Thursday was no exception, with the rally cry of the protest being “For the workers, not the billionaires.”
"If you think about it, Mayday is alarming," Zeliff said. "'Caution! Caution! We need help!' And we do. The people we need help. We do not like what's been going on in these last 100 days."
Northwest Missouri residents will meet Thursday afternoon to peacefully protest and demand stronger, safer and more dignified communities. The protest covers many topics, including social and racial justice, immigrant rights, voting rights, environmental awareness and more.
"If we can get even a handful of people to pay attention, to understand where we're going, maybe they go home and do some research," Persisterhood member Veronica Hupp said. "Like some real research, not social media research, not a right-wing or a left-wing news agency, but a reliable news agency, to really understand and see what's going on. If we can change a handful of people's mind, we've done our job."
Identical protests surfaced across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle and Philadelphia. In St. Joseph alone, over 200 Northwest Missouri residents showed up to Thursday's protest.
"We've had around 200 people overall show up," Protest organizer and Persisterhood member Dakota Allen said. "It's been really awesome to see the momentum here in Northwest Missouri continue to go on as people, I think, wake up to what is really happening in our country. I think we've had a long history in Northwest Missouri of not being properly represented and I think people are starting to see it."
To learn more about the May Day Strong protests, visit the event's website at mobilize.us/mayday/.
