Thousands of union workers and activists rallied in the streets of Oakland Friday to mark the Juneteenth holiday, which recognizes the end of slavery in the U.S.
The march, led by members of the ILWU Local 10 union is fueled by frustration over police brutality in America. They say this holiday brings a renewed push to all generations that racism is still out there, and they must work together to end it once and for all.
Thousands of union works shut down the Port of Oakland, one of twenty nine ports along the west coast to close for eight hours. They marched to the Oakland Police headquarters, down Broadway, and listened to speeches at City Hall. Protestors chanted and held signs for George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis.
Clarence Thomas, a retired union activist, said they also want to project jobs at the Port of Oakland.
"There's a movement to make the port privatized," said Thomas, "the Oakland A's have to stay in East Oakland, not at the port."
Marching down Broadway to Oakland City Hall now @KCBSRadio pic.twitter.com/LeHzxEIihV
— Carrie Hodousek (@CarrieHodousek) June 19, 2020
