May Day Parade Brought Together Richmond's Workers and Activists

I marched in a May Day Parade organized by my friend Kenneth Yates on last Friday, May 1. It took place in Jackson Ward, a historically black and working class neighborhood that has been rapidly gentrified by condo contractors and art gallery businesses in the recent few years. The march began at Abner Park and circled around four blocks and ended at Gallery 5 where Repressed IV, an exhibition featuring socially engaged posters and paintings, was showcased for the month of May. Individuals interested in raising awareness for a host of social issues such as workers' rights, gentrification, immigration rights, Food Not Bombs, bikes, sustainable living, etc united at this event.

I was holding a large banner with a friend that led the march. These are the shots I took before and after the parade. Enjoy them.















More pictures from my Flickr set. Here are two more sets of photos taken at the same event by Hassan Pitts and Jennida Chase.

The march was supported by the powerful No BS! brass band and the brilliant theatricality of All The Saints Theater Company, and sponsored by Virginia May Day Coalition, Lucent Phoenix Peoples Resource Center, Jobs With Justice, AFL-CIO, SEIU, Defenders For Freedom, Justice & Equality, and many other local activists.