CHICAGO (WLS) — Thousands of people gathered for rallies and a march in Chicago on May Day Thursday.
This is a movement that was started in Chicago.
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The protest is commemorating workers’ rights, but organizers say issues like immigration, education and healthcare will also be at the core of the message demonstrators want to send home.
Leaders said the march was part of hundreds taking place nationally, bringing people who are impacted by the Trump Administration together.
Thousands of people are rallying at Chicago’s Union Park.
Organizers said different groups are represented in the protest, showing signs of solidarity in politically fractured times.
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications said marchers began at Union Park around noon and headed to Grant Park, where there will be a rally from 2 to 4 p.m.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is expected to speak.
Rolling closures are expected throughout the day.
OEMC said there will be an increased police presence.
READ ALSO | May Day in Chicago: Thousands march for immigrant rights
An interfaith service wrapped up a little earlier Thursday morning. Faith leaders from different religions came together on stage to call out racism and the Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown.
There, people from different immigrant advocacy groups sang, chanted and prayed for people who are affected by this administration.
Veronica Castro with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, said they want people to walk away from Thursday’s rally with a renewed sense of purpose in this collective call to action.
“This historic day for workers’ rights wouldn’t even exist without the contributions of immigrants, and we want to make sure we highlight the contributions of immigrants on this important day,” Castro said.
This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.
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