Happy May Day everyone! Though the current weather in Western Massachusetts is less than ideal for engaging in any outdoor activity like Maypole dancing, the coronation of the May Queen or other traditional festivities, one movement is calling for people to take to the streets anyway in order to celebrate this annual spring holiday.
According to information posted on the website www.maydaynyc.org, the Occupy Wall Street movement is calling for May Day to be celebrated as a holiday for members of the 99 percent:
“Today, we come together across lines of race, class, gender, and religion to challenge the systems that create these divisions. New Yorkers join with millions throughout the world — workers, students, immigrants, professionals, houseworkers. We take to the streets to join in a General Strike against a system which does not work for us. With our collective power we are beginning to build the world we want to see. Another world is possible!”
“We call on everyone to join us: No work! No school! No shopping! Take the streets!”
Multiple events are scheduled throughout the day in New York City, and the movement has even garnered support from musicians like Das Racist and Tom Morello, who will both perform at a “Solidarity Rally” this afternoon in Union Square.
Morello tweeted Monday, “Join me & #OWS GuitArmy on May Day! Remember kids General Strike that day! No work/No school just Singin/Strummin 4 justice in the streets.”
The guitarist is also reportedly seeking 10,000 plus musicians to join him during his performance, and one’s instrument of choice doesn’t even matter.
“Join my new band! Don’t have a guitar? Bring a drum. No drum? Bring a kazoo. No kazoo? Just come. Bryant Park/noon tomm #MayDayThrowdown,” he also tweeted.
No word yet on if the “Maypole Song” from the 1973 film “The Wicker Man” will be on the setlist, but rain or shine this May Day is shaping up to be an event not to be missed.
Watch a slideshow set to the “Maypole Song” from the 1973 film “The Wicker Man” here:
For more information on the Occupy Wall Street movement’s celebration of May Day 2012 please visit www.maydaynyc.org.
Plus, don’t forget to follow the Northeast Underground on YouTube and Twitter:
