It’s gonna be May (Day)
An estimated 500 people gathered in Charlottesville on May 1 for a day of no work, no school, and no shopping, according to organizers. The area’s May Day Strong event, one of 3,000 nationwide organized by a coalition of activists including Indivisible and the Democratic Socialists of America, began with a rally at the Downtown Mall’s Free Speech Wall at noon, followed by a march to Booker T. Washington Park for a community party.
Sandrina da Cruz, one of the local event’s planners, called it “a huge success,” noting that organizers gave away 50 grocery gift cards to families struggling with rising costs.
“The Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act really brought home [the] critical importance of collective action—our people power—in building an inclusive, multiracial democracy,” said Kathryn Laughon, a member of Indivisible Charlottesville who helped put together the event.
Organizers say they’re following May Day with a series of workshops starting in June. Da Cruz says the People’s Activist Series is designed to help citizens prepare “for a sustained general strike to defend democratic elections and to protect human lives.”—Nathan Alderman
Roadside attraction
Fifth District Rep. John McGuire made a rare appearance in Charlottesville May 4. Rather than talk with voters, McGuire stationed himself with a large campaign sign along U.S. 250 W during the morning rush hour. At press time, McGuire’s office did not have any upcoming events planned in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area.—Catie Ratliff
