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CHICAGO (WLS) — Hundreds of people gathered in Union Park for a rally and march in Chicago on May Day.
This is a movement that was started right here in Chicago.
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The protest is commemorating workers’ rights, but organizers say issues like immigration, education and healthcare will also be issues at the core of the message demonstrators want to send home.
Leaders said the march will be part of hundreds taking place nationally, bringing people together impacted by the Trump Administration.
Organizers said different groups will be represented in the rally, showing signs of solidarity in a politically fractured times.
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.
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications said the events are expected to begin at 9:15 a.m. in Union Park.
A march is expected to begin at 11 a.m. to Grant Park.
Marchers will begin at Union Park and head east on Washington Street to Morgan Street; south on Morgan to Jackson Street; east on Jackson and into Butler Field.
In Grant Park, there will be a rally from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., OEMC said.
Rolling closures are expected throughout the morning.
OEMC said there will be an increased police presence.
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