OSEA and Causa Oregon May day march and rally
OSEA President Tim Stoelb addressed about 300 members of the labor and immigrant rights communities who were gathered for a rally and march around the Oregon State Capitol on May Day.
A group of about 300 people took part in a May Day march around the State Capitol in support of immigrants and working families.
Sponsored by OSEA and Causa Oregon, the event is an annual reminder of the plight of immigrant families, a celebration of the contributions of all workers and a reminder of the benefits diversity brings society.
Stoelb spoke about the current environment of political unrest where fear is stoked about race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
“OSEA is dedicated to the fair and equitable treatment of every one we represent,” Stoelb said. “It is the essence of who we are. That same treatment extends to the communities we serve. Together, with our labor and community partners, we can end the fear and racism.”
Stoelb then called upon attendees to act: “Together, we must end the hatred and remind everyone that we are all part of a much larger family — the human race.”
Gov. Kate Brown also attended the event and took the opportunity to sign two bills: Senate Bill (SB) 1563, which allows undocumented students continued access to lower tuition, scholarships and financial aid; and House Bill (HB) 4111, which permits the DMV to renew and replace a limited-term driver’s license for DACA and Temporary Protected Status recipients whose status may have expired due to changes in federal immigration policy.
“In Oregon, we will continue working to create an inclusive state and thriving communities, where everyone has the opportunity to provide a better life for their families,” Brown said.
After a series of rousing speeches, the lively crowd marched around the Capitol with chants of “si se puede!” (“yes, it can be done!”) and “el pueblo unido jamas sera vencido!” (“the people united will never be defeated!”) filling the air.
You can see more photos from this event in our Flickr album.
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