May Day March in Madera demands an immediate end to deportations and attacks on immigrant communities

On May 1, Pan Valley Institute and a coalition of residents and community partners organized a march to commemorate International Workers Day. The march was a part of a larger movement across California and the U.S. -- more than 1,000 events took place on the same day.

The march demonstrated solidarity with the disenfranchised people who keep our communities strong. This is a pressing issue for us, especially in the broader landscape of the current political climate. The rights of many people in immigrant communities, workers, and those in essential services are being attacked even more under the current administration. 

Our event began at 5pm, emceed by PVI’s program coordinator Minerva Mendoza and PVI partner Jose Eduardo Chavez. It was blessed by the Wukchumi People from the Native American community.

After speeches by all the represented organizations and clear instructions, the march began at the Madera Courthouse Park and made its way to City Hall and back to the park. The march was peaceful and extremely well organized, filled with dancers, photographers, chants and shouts, reporters, city council members and community members of all ages.

We were fortunate to have a diverse crowd from various communities, backgrounds and organizations. There were countless signs that demonstrated the mix of pride and frustrations at the forefront of what the community has been wanting to say.

Signs included “We Feed This Country,” “Stop Demonizing Immigrants,” and “Respect & Dignity for All.” Some people raised flags, spoke through megaphones, or just wore shirts to show solidarity and use their voices to champion those who are voiceless.

 This march was a strong and needed reminder that while things in this world may seem chaotic, there is strength in numbers, strength in solidarity, and power in community.

Here’s a reel from the march.