Hundreds gathered along Central Avenue for Charlotteโs International Workersโ Day March, calling for stronger worker protections and immigrant rights.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Organizers of Charlotteโs May Day march say Fridayโs event was meant to be more than a one-night demonstration, urging people to stay engaged by connecting with local unions and advocacy groups.
The march along Central Avenue highlighted worker and immigrant rights, with organizers pointing to rising costs of living, wage concerns and fears tied to immigration enforcement.
“The main message is about unity. We are coming together different organizations and matters all intervene,” Daniela Andrade with Carolina Migrant Network said. “It’s important for us to let everyone know we are seeing you. We are supporting you with all the changes that are happening locally and nationally. It’s also important to stress not only that frustration and come together and make change happen.”
Organizers also referenced what they say they witnessed in November, a lack of support from some school districts for immigrant families, and called for stronger communication and clearer legal protections for people who may face immigration raids.
For many who came to march, the reason was deeply personal.
โI am here for my mom, my dad, and my son,” Yesica Herrera, a participant, said. “Who else is going to speak up for them and these teachers but us?โ
Herrera said her mother cleans houses and that she is afraid of what could happen if immigration enforcement targets her again.
โAs a daughter of immigrants, this is what I can do,โ she said.
Organizers said their goal is to push for meaningful change, including fair wages, stronger workplace protections, and greater support for immigrant communities across Charlotte.
