5/2/11

May Day Immigration Rally

Protesters stand in San Jose City Hall plaza holding a banner scrawled with statements from May Day protesters Sunday afternoon. Photo by Jack Barnwell.

San Jose -- Chants erupted from San Jose City Hall's plaza Sunday afternoon as protesters gathered as part of a May Day rally to voice their opinions on everything from immigrant reform to union wages. 
Luis Pena waves the Mexican and U.S

Speakers highlighted on a variety of subjects, including labor reform, education and immigration rights. The rally was coordinated by the May Day Coalition of San Jose.

The event started with a march from Story and King Roads and wound itself to the foot of city hall. 

Dancers in traditional dress performed native Mexican rituals as civil leaders and organizers aired their grievances about unfulfilled campaign promises by elected officials and unfair labor wages and working conditions.

The throng began to trickle away towards 6 p.m. as officers San Jose police department's mounted and bicycle patrols left the event.