Portland City Councilor Koyama Lane calls for recommitment to Vision Zero
Tears, Anger and Solidarity:
Thousands Gather in Portland for May Day Rally
Edited: May 22nd, 2025 16:31 PST
Agata Sobieska
Portland, OR
On Thursday thousands rallied at Portland State University to commemorate International Workers' Day. The most common sentiment amongst the crowd: Solidarity in the wake of the Trump Administration's sweeping prosecution of workers and marginalized communities. This comes just days after Trump signed an executive order targeting sanctuary cities.
Who is Out Here?
Trade unionists, Immigrant Communities, Black, Indigenous, and Queer Activists, as well as workers from across all backgrounds gathered in what can easily be described as a coalescence of various organizations and causes. Tiffany Koyama Lane and Sameer Kanal, two pro-Union members of the Portland City Council, also spoke at the Rally.
Labor groups were not the only one making a show of force during the May Day demonstration, scientists drawing attention to the impending climate crisis also made a display.
"We represent the Turtle Island Chapter of Scientist Rebellion. We believe the time for writing papers is over. Simply put we need to get out of the labs and into the streets. What we really need is to address this unsustainable idea of infinite growth" Dr. Jennifer Krauel commented in a brief interview during the march.
Dr. Krauel would then go on to stress the importance of Indigenous rights in the fight for climate justice.
"Native peoples have so much knowledge about caring for the enviroment, I hope that people in science will listen to them and collaborate."
Krauel added
"We're here! We're Queer! AND WE FUCKING HATE THE PRESIDENT" ( Photo Credit: Agata Sobieska )
US Imperialism was another core issue amongst Thursday's protestors. Many demanding the immediate end of US-funds to Israel in light of the genocidal Israeli campaign against the Palestinian people.
"I am here because of the hypocrisy of the United States which is supporting an apartheid state." An unidentified Palestinian activist said during a brief comment to United Vision. They added that:
"I am for a two-state solution, but they are not allowing freedom and independence for Palestinians.
The demonstrator ended by reiterating their criticism of United States' role in the crisis. "The Zionist state is an apartheid state as it discriminates against its own citizens. I cannot see apartheid and democracy can go hand in hand."
The Portland Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (PCHRP) also made an appearance on Thursday, protesting the US government's complicitness in a multitude of human rights abuses in the Philippines.
"There is a link between the heightening of fascism in the US and the Philippines. As taxpayers, we have a responsibility to act."
- Mandy, a representative from PCHRP
( Photo Credit: Agata Sobieska )
"We demand climate friendly jobs with a just transition. We need rights for ALL workers."
- Angela Foster (Xulxiyut)
Cultural storyteller and activist from the Klamath Falls Tribes during her land acknowledgement.
Why are People Here?
"From deportations to universities, he is ruining our country. There is a dictatorship forming, you just can't keep silent"
- Patt, a Warehouse Worker attending the Rally.
During the several mile long march throughout Portland, the crowd could be heard making chants for the rights of various marginalized communities. The distinct movements that made up the rally each had their own challenges, and vastly different experiences. However, they were united however by a collective demand for justice for all working-class people around the world.
"He's gutting the VA and Social Security. He's completely ruined the Economy."
- Dr. Gale Myers
Retired combat veteran and astrophysicist who had reportedly lost their job due to the Trump Administration's research grant cuts.
( Photo Credit: Agata Sobieska )
It's Not Just Republicans
Although most of the anger was directed at the incumbent Trump Administration, many attendees were critical of the response given by the Democratic Party. On the more moderate end of criticisms one barber who attended the rally mentioned he felt democrats "didn't have the right tools." while some were more scathing.
"They're doing piss fucking poor" Patt, the aforementioned warehouse worker stated in regards to Democrats handling of the crisis.
"It's not even performative. It's pathetic. Corey Booker does his little twenty-five-hour speech, but then votes to fund Israel. Fuck 'em"
- Anonymous Protestor
