April 30, 2021
United Against Hate and Political Violence on May Day
A Solidarity Statement from Oregon Community and Elected Leaders
May Day is an international holiday honoring workers, particularly immigrant workers. Immigrant rights and labor groups have traditionally organized events at our State Capitol on May Day. These events have become a cherished annual gathering for the Latinx and immigrant community in the Salem Metro area, unions and justice-minded allies. This year, to keep our community safe during a pandemic that has disproportionately hurt Latinx families, these groups are holding a virtual event on May Day, and are proud to be gathering to give a voice to our Latinx community and all workers in a responsible way.
We, the undersigned, were appalled to hear that an event is being held in Salem on May Day by groups that, either directly or through their affiliations, have spread hate or incited political violence. This includes disrespecting and insulting our immigrant communities, as well as attacking our democratic values and norms like the right to vote and respecting the outcome of elections. This gathering is happening at a time when the Capitol is not fully open to the public, in order to be safe during a pandemic.
We condemn the bigotry and racism that were always in our community, and that anti-democratic groups and some elected officials have emboldened.
The rise of white nationalist and paramilitary groups and extreme and violent rhetoric targeting Oregonians of color creates real harm, at a time when communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Oregonians of color are also working as the essential workers at the frontlines of this crisis.
The far-right actors behind the May 1 rally do not speak for Salem and they do not speak for Oregon. Hate and intimidation has no place in our community, and those who explicitly or subtly encourage violence should be held accountable.
We, the undersigned, are united by core values and our solidarity with Oregon’s farmworker union PCUN, Oregon’s immigrant rights organization Causa, and the Salem May Day March and Rally Planning Committee this May Day:
Every Oregonian should live free from bigotry and fear in an inclusive, multiracial democracy.
Oregon welcomes immigrants and refugees. Oregon respects the labor of all workers, including their right to form a union.
Respecting science and public health guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Actively denouncing acts or threats of violence, and any appeal in our political discourse to exploit bigotry and intolerance.
Community Leaders
Accountable Northwest
APANO
Coalition of Communities of Color
Fair Shot for All Coalition
Latino Network
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon
Oregon AFL-CIO
Oregon AFSCME Council 75
Oregon Education Association
Oregon Food Bank
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Oregon Nurses Association
Oregon Wild
Oregon Women’s Investment Network
Oregon Working Families Party
Our Oregon
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon
Racial Justice Organizing Committee of Salem
Renew Oregon
Rural Engagement Project
SEIU 49
SEIU Local 503
UFCW 555
Unite Oregon
Urban League of Portland
Western States Center
WINPAC
Elected Leaders
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer
U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici
Governor Kate Brown
State Senator Lew Frederick
State Senator Kayse Jama
State Senator Deb Patterson
State Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon
State Rep. Wlnsvey Campos
State Rep. Brian Clem
State Rep. Mark Meek
State Rep. Khanh Pham
State Rep. Ricki Ruiz
State Rep. Andrea Salinas
State Rep. Tawna Sanchez
State Rep. Andrea Valderrama
Salem City Councilor Tom Andersen
Salem City Councilor Chris Hoy
Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke
Salem City Councilor Trevor Phillips
Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton
Salem City Planning Commissioner & Salem-Keizer NAACP Board Member Casey Kopcho
This letter is sponsored by Western States Center, a 501 c3 organization, and is intended for c3 permissible use.