The organizers who brought the “No King Rally” to El Sobrante, California on March 28, 2026 gathered again on Friday to celebrate the labor force.
“We’re here this evening to support workers, not billionaires,” said Judy Weatherly, one of the organizers of the rally. ‘We are here every Friday night, but tonight is a special night, because it is May Day and we are celebrating International Workers Day.”
Weatherly added that the local movement began to gain momentum after the Supreme Court recently struck down a voting map that critics say will weaken the Voting Rights Act and impact elections for years to come.
“Right now we’re celebrating the fact that we have a community that’s growing after the Supreme Court decision this week. We have to grow and that’s why we’re here,” Weatherly said.
May Day has its origins in Europe as a celebration that marks the beginning of summer, which usually starts May 1. The date falls between the northern hemisphere’s Spring Equinox and Midsummer Solstice. Many countries — including England, France, Czech Republic, Liberia, Italy and other parts of Europe, along with those in North America — celebrate working people on the day.
The tradition of May Day was brought to the U.S. by immigrants decades ago. Since then, it has grown exponentially, with rallies, demonstrations and festivals around the country drawing thousands of participants.
“Because it’s May Day, its International Workers Day and as a 40-year union member, I find that it’s important that unions have helped people rise up against fascism—against the power structure—and I think it’s time it’s important to tie together unions and the indivisible movements to end fascism and fight back”, supporter of the rally Neil Zarchin stated.
“I’ve never been involved in political activism in my life, but I think it was about two years ago when I saw Elon Musk in the White House and I knew something was not right,” said Maria Floriano, a participant in the rally. “I started paying attention and I really felt like I needed to do something.”
Ryan Clark, who also attended the El Sobrante rally, pointed out the need for people to unite and participate in the country’s democratic systems.
“I’m here to keep reminding people just how awful things are and to keep people engaged,” Clark said. “With the elections coming up, we need to stay engaged and keep the pressure on our local leaders and national leaders to do something.”
