National Labor Day Has Fantastic Turnout 

Joining over one thousand protests across the country, several of which stretched across the Bay Area, about 600 local residents turned out despite the blazing Labor Day sun in spirited protest against rising authoritarianism and in defense of working families in Albany. Over 500,000 Americans took to the streets making it a huge success, according to national organizers.

Participants held up homemade signs defending immigrant communities, public funding for schools, voting rights, and more, as many drivers honked in solidarity. People passing by showed their support by cheering and clapping. The energetic crowd was filled with people of all ages, from families with young children to senior citizens. The atmosphere was joyous and loud, as some rally-goers played 1970’s Stevie Wonder, while others played drums and cowbells.

Sharon Goldfarb, the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville Board member focused on the intersection of health care and DEI, said why she showed up.

“As the granddaughter of a Triangle Shirtwaist Factory seamstress, I was raised with the belief that through hard work, one could realize the American dream. That legacy has guided me for over thirty years as a nurse, teacher and now as a union representative with the American Federation of Teachers,” Goldfarb began. “Labor Day represents the very best of America—our ability to honor the dignity, resilience, and contributions of working people. It is a day that reminds us that policies must go beyond words. They must support workers, strengthen unions, and ensure that every person has the right to a livable wage, affordable health care, safe housing, and quality education for their children,”

Lucy Still, a new League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville intern said why she thought nationwide actions like the Labor Day Rally were important.

“It’s essential that people participate in rallies like this to exercise their constitutional right to criticize the current administration’s attempts to erode democracy. Now more than ever, it’s important to demonstrate that millions of Americans do not support authoritarianism or the militarization of U.S. cities,” Still said.

Kandea Gandhi, League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany Emeryville President and co-organizer of the rally, said she looked forward to more and more movement building community gatherings as Americans learn more about disastrous legislation, such as the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill.”