The annual May Day march that has typically shed light on social justice issues will look different in Long Beach this Friday due to the closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
This May 1, the May Day Long Beach Coalition will instead organize a car caravan throughout the city in order to abide by local orders to keep a distance from each other when not at home.
Like previous demonstrations, activists will call for livable wages and immigrant rights, including the release of those detained by immigration officials.
But organizers will also bring attention to the struggle being faced by many renters and homeowners with mortgages in the city who have been forced out of work because of the pandemic, causing them to miss paying rent, mortgages and other bills.
The pandemic’s effect on those experiencing homelessness will also be addressed by activists.
Currently, the local officials have opened up temporary homeless shelters throughout the city, but some have criticized leaders for not going far enough. The City Council is also considering giving money to renters to cover housing costs, but it is unclear how soon a decision will be made.
https://www.facebook.com/MayDayLB/posts/2670684233216843:0