Gone are the traditional childhood practices of frolicking around a colorful, ribbon-draped Maypole on May 1.
Also scarce are associations with past pagan rituals, the arrival of spring, or bizarre religious traditions on the first day of the fifth month.
Also scarce are associations with past pagan rituals, the arrival of spring, or bizarre religious traditions on the first day of the fifth month.
Now globally celebrated as International Workers’ Day, Labor Unions in the United States have staked a claim to the memorable calendar date, and this year, they urge “May Day Strong” with a no-work, no-school, no-shopping message at the forefront.
Aimed directly at protesting against billionaires, inequality, low wages, authoritarianism, inflation from the war in Iran, and President Donald Trump, nationwide protest demonstrations will usher in the new month.
Aimed directly at protesting against billionaires, inequality, low wages, authoritarianism, inflation from the war in Iran, and President Donald Trump, nationwide protest demonstrations will usher in the new month.
One might find similarities akin to messaging expressed recently during the ‘No Kings’ rallies staged earlier this year.
However, instead of focusing on immigration, ICE, and numerous domestic issues, workers’ rights prioritize a global replacement to the unofficial holiday.
However, instead of focusing on immigration, ICE, and numerous domestic issues, workers’ rights prioritize a global replacement to the unofficial holiday.
At the core of the day’s assembly is a focus on disruption; organizers are encouraging no business-as-usual.
“As working people, we must come together,” Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, said. “We can no longer allow corporations, politicians, and borders to divide us.”
“As working people, we must come together,” Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, said. “We can no longer allow corporations, politicians, and borders to divide us.”
Fain is part of the May Day Strong Coalition, determined to amplify a message of workplace enhancements to improve conditions beneficial to the overall population.
“Workers over billionaires” theme’s advocacy focuses on tackling corporate greed and ensuring Labor rights over corporate interests.
“Workers over billionaires” theme’s advocacy focuses on tackling corporate greed and ensuring Labor rights over corporate interests.
Other mantras include “money for people, not for wars,” “tax the rich,” and more than a few banners will brandish pleas promoting democracy.
According to historical data, the change from previous celebrations can be traced to the late 19th century, when a movement in the Midwest demanded an eight-hour workday by May 1, 1886.
The bold proposition prompted strikes across the nation.
According to historical data, the change from previous celebrations can be traced to the late 19th century, when a movement in the Midwest demanded an eight-hour workday by May 1, 1886.
The bold proposition prompted strikes across the nation.
Reportedly, on the actual date, police shot into a crowd of striking Chicago workers.
A bomb also exploded, causing multiple people to lose their lives.
From then on, commemoration of the dastardly deed took precedence, with the American Federation of Labor issuing a proclamation.
A bomb also exploded, causing multiple people to lose their lives.
From then on, commemoration of the dastardly deed took precedence, with the American Federation of Labor issuing a proclamation.
The union declared “Eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1, 1886.”
Chicago was at the epicenter of the protest movement, but Californians now rank highest in honoring the decree.
Chicago was at the epicenter of the protest movement, but Californians now rank highest in honoring the decree.
This year, a collective network of hundreds of organizations is expected to mobilize in solidarity with the cause.
Of major concern is the disproportionate distribution of income between workers and employees.
Of major concern is the disproportionate distribution of income between workers and employees.
To that end, numerous marches are planned, including a demonstration in Washington Square Park slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.
Another march and rally has been organized by the New York State Nurses Association at 5 p.m.
And Black New Yorkers plan to rally against fraudulent deed profiteers who acquire homes from unsuspecting owners.
Another march and rally has been organized by the New York State Nurses Association at 5 p.m.
And Black New Yorkers plan to rally against fraudulent deed profiteers who acquire homes from unsuspecting owners.
Overall, the Labor movement hopes students and workers will unite by disrupting routine operations through work stoppage.
However, caution is being encouraged that no strikes have been called, and bad behavior will be discouraged.
In addition, peaceful protests will be welcomed.
For more information, check the web portals for nearby May Day events.Literary Quarterly seeks Black Panamanian perspectives.Charles Henry Rowell, founder and editor-in-chief of Callaloo, invites Black Panamanian creative writers to submit manuscripts not exceeding 6,000 words for publication in a special section dedicated to Isthmians of color.
“I, like you, come from a people who have fought — and continue to fight — in a long struggle,” the Alabama-born southerner said.
“I know that we must not merely survive; we must triumph.”
“The ancestors do not expect anything less.”To that end, the poet, scholar, and cultural critic (who is neither Panamanian nor diasporan) is offering his journal as a platform for Caribbean cultural expression.
Callaloo compiles African diasporic creativity.Presented in various formats — magazines, visual arts, community forums, and workshops — numerous iterations have evolved since Rowell conceived the enlightening medium in 1976.
Reputed as a reliable glossary connecting literary veterans with beginning writers, Rowell’s brainchild has expanded its reach by headlining conferences in London, England, Canada, and the Caribbean.
However, caution is being encouraged that no strikes have been called, and bad behavior will be discouraged.
In addition, peaceful protests will be welcomed.
For more information, check the web portals for nearby May Day events.Literary Quarterly seeks Black Panamanian perspectives.Charles Henry Rowell, founder and editor-in-chief of Callaloo, invites Black Panamanian creative writers to submit manuscripts not exceeding 6,000 words for publication in a special section dedicated to Isthmians of color.
“I, like you, come from a people who have fought — and continue to fight — in a long struggle,” the Alabama-born southerner said.
“I know that we must not merely survive; we must triumph.”
“The ancestors do not expect anything less.”To that end, the poet, scholar, and cultural critic (who is neither Panamanian nor diasporan) is offering his journal as a platform for Caribbean cultural expression.
Callaloo compiles African diasporic creativity.Presented in various formats — magazines, visual arts, community forums, and workshops — numerous iterations have evolved since Rowell conceived the enlightening medium in 1976.
Reputed as a reliable glossary connecting literary veterans with beginning writers, Rowell’s brainchild has expanded its reach by headlining conferences in London, England, Canada, and the Caribbean.
According to the enterprising, trailblazing submissions for entry to the special feature should incorporate book reviews, poetry, short stories (fiction or non-fiction), essays, and novels.
The section title “Black Panama – A People in Transit” will again be published by Johns Hopkins University Press.
Callaloo is acclaimed as “the longest-running African-American literary magazine.”
Wikipedia lavished platitudes on the publication and, in addition to listing intellectuals who have contributed to its success, also credits the medium with “sponsoring upcoming writers.”
All works will be guest edited by Darrel Alejandro Holnes and contributing editor Syanna Figueroa Bennett.
The deadline is midnight July 15, and submissions should be addressed to info@callalooliteraryjournal.com with the subject line “Black Panama Special Section.”
Catch you On the Inside!
