Press Release

25th May Day on New Haven Green
Commemorates 125th Haymarket Anniversary

The 25th Annual May Day/International Workers’ Day Celebration Sunday, May 1, 2011, begins with hundreds of workers organized by Unidad Latina En Acción of Connecticut, Unions and Community Activists marching through the City of New Haven to defend unions, for workers’ rights and respect for immigrants and all peoples’ rights ending at the New Haven Green.

John Olsen, President of the CT State AFL—CIO will speak. Performers include Rick Reyes and Cosmic Jibaros (Latin rock), The Harris Brothers Balkan Band, The Coalition (hiphop), Josephine Dixon Banks (poetry), Joseph FireCrow (Cheyenne flautist), Shadow (modern rock/spoken word songstress), Moonshine Kellie (folk rock and poetry), Performance Piece by Steve Bellwood and Shula Weinstein, Puerto Rican performer Fernandito Ferrer (acoustic, indie, Latin), Bread is Rising Poetry Collective — NY, “Dancing Man” Eric Triffin, magician Amazing Andy, Elaine Peters— Community Movement, and the Maypole Dance led by Out On A Whim featuring Bill Fischer and Mickey Koth. “Speak Out Time” is when anyone can address issues of concern onstage.

The Greater New Haven Labor History Association has developed a half—hour performance with 6th and 8th graders, The Family Work History Project. Musician Mike Kachuba will accompany the students’ performance. Promoting Enduring Peace will present the Gandhi Peace Award to Rabbi Arik Ascherman and Rabbi Ehud Bandel of Rabbis for Human Rights.

More than 40 labor, social justice, social service and peace groups will participate in May Day, which is the 25th year of May 1 gatherings on the New Haven Green and the 125th anniversary of the nationwide strike for the 8—hour day and the events at Haymarket Square in Chicago (1886).

Join us on May 1, a day of celebration and solidarity with the struggle of working people around the world. Enjoy the music, dance, arts and crafts, open mic, political speakers, poetry, juggling, activities for children, free vegetarian food and Maypole dance.

May Day New Haven Statement of Solidarity

Historically, May Day is an ancient celebration of fertility and renewal. In 1886, during the fight for an 8—hour workday, May 1 was the date of nationwide strikes. May 1 later became International Workers' Day in honor of the Chicago martyrs who died in the struggle for workers' rights. In other countries the world over, May 1 is celebrated as International Labor Day. On the New Haven Green on Sunday, May 1, thousands will reclaim their labor history and join with people around the world who recognize this international holiday of struggle for justice.

The world today is filled with grave problems and also hopeful signs. The terrible world economic collapse continues for most people while the corporate— sponsored leaders bail out themselves and their cronies — witness the recent events in Wisconsin. The global warming/environmental catastrophes facing the world are barely acknowledged and action is being stymied by the great powers while species disappear, nuclear power and violent weather extremes plague the planet as in Japan and Haiti. Several wars continue to rage, many fostered by our own government.

The people of the world struggle to free themselves from these burdens. In many countries, workers’ battle against vicious economic austerity campaigns with massive strikes. Most of South America will no longer have their economies determined by the IMF and are charting independent courses. New social media challenge the lies of all governments. Many people around the world fight for liberty against corrupt governments, as this winter, Tunisians, Libyans, Yemenis and the people of Egypt among others showed their courage to us all.

Volunteers are needed.

Volunteers are still needed for the May Day celebration. We need people to help carry and set up sound equipment, put the May Day displays together, serve food and set up tables, help with the graffiti wall, hang banners, sit at the May Day information table, and hand out brochures. For more information, please contact maydaynewhaven@yahoo.com.

In case of rain: performances, speeches, food & information tables and displays will take place on the first floor of New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street.

For more information: call (203) 562-2798. For the latest details about the march, call (203) 606-3484 or visit www.ulanewhaven.blogspot.com.

Updated: April 12, 2011