From the JRUUC Justice Leadership Team: May Day is coming up next Friday and it’s a big opportunity to show that we are willing and able to impose economic consequences in response to the current threats to our country. Here in Madison, it’s also called “Dia sin Inmigrantes,” or Day Without Immigrants, to honor the contributions of immigrant workers to Wisconsin’s economy. Madison is one of a handful of cities who have successfully organized to shut down an entire sector this year, in our case the public schools. We feel that May Day is very aligned with the justice interests of our congregation, so we wanted to let you know how you can participate. 

Historically, May Day, in addition to being a pagan Spring festival, asks us to remember the union organizers who were fighting for an 8 hour work day. They faced many of the same tactics of government repression that we see today, such as violence, warrantless searches and seizures, suppression of journalism, and being targeted by police in retaliation for their activism. And, their willingness to get uncomfortable has led to material improvement in millions of people’s lives. When we celebrate May Day, we join that legacy and practice the skills of non-compliance that we will need to face the threats of today. 

Organizers are asking for you to make these commitments: 

No shopping. 

No school. 

No work. 

Get in the streets if you can. The main event is starting on Library Mall at 12, marching up State St. at 1, and rallying at the Capitol at 2. If you would like to connect with other Reebers, our goal is to hook up with FUS and the yellow Side With Love banner.