CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A May Day Rally held Saturday in Union Park brought hundreds of people together from more than 30 organizations as part of a nationwide mobilization for immigrants' and workers’ rights.
Chicago’s rally is one of many taking place around the world, traditionally on May 1 or the first Monday in May.
The May Day celebration has a special meaning in the Windy City. In the U.S., the holiday began in Chicago and Saturday’s rally paid homage to the successful movement for an eight-hour workday that began here.
Much of the talk at this year's May Day rally — which saw many participants chanting, “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here” — focused on immigrant rights along with workers' rights.
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression are the lead organizers of the rally at Union Park.
Linda Tortolero, president for "Mujeres Latinas En Accion," fired up the crowd from a makeshift truck bed stage.
“If you’re ready to fight for workers’ rights, make some noise. If you’re ready to fight for immigrants’ rights, make some noise,” Tortolero told participants.
Attendees like local author Joe Rulli participated as a show of solidarity. Rulli, who's a product of immigrants, said he appreciates the sacrifice his grandparents made when they came to the U.S. from Italy.
"My family came over at a time when southern Italy in the islands had 80 to 90% illiteracy and zero economic opportunity. But I think yeah, I think even the situations are different, I think ultimately the rock-bottom desire is the same, to have a better life and not just for them,” Rulli told WBBM Newsradio.