Phoenix’s ‘May Day’ protest at the Capitol: What to know
By Casey Clowes
Since President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January, grassroots and local organizers have planned a series of protests throughout Arizona and the country.
In Phoenix, thousands of protesters have shown up on the front steps of the Arizona Capitol to demonstrate against the actions of the Trump administration. Some protestors have railed against the Department of Government Efficiency and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Others have marched against the administration’s immigration policies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
On May 1, hundreds of Arizonans will go to the Capitol again to protest the administration as a part of “May Day,” which has historically been a day to advocate for worker rights. In a post to lead organizer Raquel Terán’s Instagram, Thursday’s protest will focus on protecting Medicaid and Social Security as well as safeguarding union jobs, public schools, equal rights, immigrants, the climate and more.
Who is organizing this protest?
The lead organizer of the May Day March is former state senator and congressional candidate Raquel Terán. Her Instagram page features many flyers for the event, including posters around Grand Avenue. The executive director of Progress Arizona, Alex Alvarez, is also a main contributor to the protest. Progress Arizona is a nonprofit focused on progressive causes in the state.
“They are working to strip away worker rights, they are working to dismantle our public education system and our democracy,” said Terán in an Instagram video. “They are silencing students. They are working to tear apart immigrant families and so much more.”
Other organizations, such as the Phoenix branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, have also posted about the protest.
What should I know before I go to the protest?
Protesting and other organizing activities on the Capitol grounds must be conducted between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Here are other notable Capitol regulations:
- Protesters must also keep 10 feet away from all buildings and minimize damage to state property.
- To amplify sound, an event application must be submitted 10 days prior, otherwise “volume must be reduced to a reasonable level.” An event application is not required if no sound will be amplified.
- Equipment, including banners and signs, may not be staked into the ground or otherwise affixed to landscapes, sidewalks or buildings.
Organizers encourage you to bring signs, banners, posters and flags. If you don’t yet have a flag, odds are there will be someone there to sell you one.
How can I get to the Capitol?
Public parking is available at the Capitol on both the House and Senate sides on 17th Avenue between Adams and Jefferson streets, or at the Capitol parking lot on 19th Avenue and Jefferson Street.
If you want to take public transportation, you can take the Valley Metro light rail and get off downtown at Washington Street and Central Avenue, though you’ll have to walk a ways to the Capitol. The free Downtown DASH bus, which can be caught at Washington Street and Fourth Avenue, will take you the rest of the way.
You can also take a Valley Metro bus, which stops near the Capitol, including at Van Buren Street and 17th Avenue.
Are there any other protests happening in Arizona?
Other “May Day” events are happening in Gilbert, Casa Grande, Wickenburg, Sedona, Tucson and beyond.
“Mobilizations are going to be happening all across the state and all across the county for that matter,” Terán said. “So this is our time to rise.”
A complete list of Arizona “May Day” protests can be found on Mobilize. They include protests in:
- Gilbert, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Val Vista Drive and East Baseline Road
- Casa Grande, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at East Florence Boulevard and North Colorado Street
- Wickenberg, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 10 South Kerkes Street
- Sedona, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jamesen Memorial Park at 25 Northview Rd.
- Tucson, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Southside Presbyterian Church at 317 West 23rd St.
- Flagstaff, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall at 211 W. Aspen Ave.