Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW)- May Day event in Springfield brings together labor groups, families and community partners

International Workers’ Day was marked Friday evening in Springfield with a family-friendly event at Duncan Park, bringing together labor organizations, community groups and local families.

The event, part of a statewide “May Day Strong” day of action, featured members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers alongside labor groups, social justice organizations and community partners.

Activities began at 5 p.m. with food, art and music, followed by a main program featuring speakers and songs focused on workers’ rights and community issues. Organizers also included children’s activities and interactive spaces aimed at keeping the event family-friendly.

“May Day, the International Workers’ Day, is a day to celebrate workers, to celebrate organized labor,” said Joe Jay with AFSCME Council 31. “It’s a day of action, it’s meant to be.”

International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1, traces its roots to the late 19th-century labor movement, including the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers rallied for an eight-hour workday.

“And there’s a sad irony to that, right? Because May Day started right here in Illinois, right in our backyard,” Jay said.

Marques Robinson, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and a volunteer at the event, said the day remains significant for workers today.

“It’s still important because it’s what won us the eight-hour work day,” Robinson said.

Organizers said the Springfield event aimed to connect that history with present-day issues by bringing together unions, community partners and families in a shared space.

The gathering wrapped up with time for attendees to meet, share ideas and build connections as part of the broader May Day movement.