May Day Strong Recap
May Day Rally in Boston. Photo by a Mass 50501 volunteer.
On May 1st 2026, we supported and participated in May Day Strong. The call to action was straightforward: no school, no work, and no shopping. The power of the economy, as both laborers and consumers, belongs to us. And when a ballot isn’t in our hand, we vote with our feet and our wallets. That is to say, the system does not work without us, and when we decide to work and shop is our decision.
Our May Day actions emphasized that we don’t want large corporations enriching themselves and trampling our human rights. We don’t want ICE patrolling our streets and kidnapping our neighbors. We don't want to pay higher prices at the pump while our tax dollars go to fund an unnecessary war. We don’t want an authoritarian government. We don’t want every day to feel like a struggle for so many. Our movement also relies on complimentary actions, such as community organizing and voting for candidates that share our values (and have the action plan to get things done). These actions help build a future that we do want.
May Day Rally in Boston. Photo by a Mass 50501 volunteer.
May 1st is International Workers’ Day, a day of historic significance reaching back to an organized labor week in Chicago in 1886. 80,000 people marched for an eight hour work day and increased wages. This led days later to the Haymarket Affair, and after a decade of labor organization and strikes, not only to the success of the standardized eight hour work day, but eventually the national holiday we know today as Labor Day.
May Day Rally in Boston. Photo by a Mass 50501 volunteer.
There were over 5000 May Day Strong events across the country, and in Boston, our partnership of events expanded across 10 locations and times. This coordination and events were made possible by the Greater Boston Labor Council, Democratic Socialists of America, LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts, Boston Teachers Union, Anti-War Contingent, Young Workers Campaign, and Massachusetts Teacher Association.
Along with these organizations, and May Day Strong, we send the message that we will no longer stand for billionaires enriching themselves while the working class suffers. The “No Shopping” action primarily refers to not supporting large corporations. When you must shop, please consider voting with your wallet by supporting local small businesses. To find small businesses near you:
Ask your neighbors for recommendations. (Bonus: this gives you an opportunity to discuss May Day actions!)
Check your city or town’s Chamber of Commerce
Check out MassGrown Map for local farmer’s markets
May Day Rally in Boston. Photo by a Mass 50501 volunteer.
You can also vote with your wallet by continuing to avoid patronizing large corporations, either by following one of our current boycotts (here and here) or just as a matter of personal principle.
Another way to keep the spirit of May Day going is to join an organization that is doing the work you feel is important, whether it be mutual aid, political organizing, or community building. Our movement isn’t just about disrupting the status quo. It’s also about creating something better.
May Day Rally in Boston. Photo by a Mass 50501 volunteer.
How did you choose to participate and show solidarity? Join our Discord and let us know!
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