Josh Roskamp
Template:TOCnestleft Josh Roskamp
Grand Rapids May Day
West Michigan labor unions joined by community and social justice groups celebrated International Workers Day on May 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“During this health crisis where 575,000 Americans and over 3 million have died worldwide, we want to remember those workers and retirees who lost their lives. On International Workers Day we stand in solidarity with workers around the world. All workers are essential!” said Josh Roskamp, business agent for IATSE Local 26.
The program included a memorial for Deirdre Chervenka, a stagehand who died this past winter. Tom Burke spoke about the inspiring role Deirdre Chervenka played in the union movement, organizing and winning a union election in a ticket sales company, and their contributions to the immigrant rights movement in Michigan. He led the crowd in a call and response of “Rest in power!”
The May Day rally took place at the Spirit of Solidarity labor monument. Speakers included a big lineup for a small city: Jessica Westra, IATSE 26; Richard Jackson, ATU 836; Ryan Letts, Chair of the Kent Ionia Central Labor Council; Lily Cheng, candidate for Michigan 72nd House District, and Dee Dee Chaunte with Family Over Everything - the family and friends of Breonna Taylor, who was born in Grand Rapids.[1]
Worker May Day Celebration/DSA
Metro Detroit Democratic Socialists of America:
Saturday, May 1st In-Person Rally: Hart Plaza, 12PM, Zoom Virtual Town Hall 7PM.
This May Day, we're teaming up with Detroit Action and MAJIC to put on an in-person May Day Worker Celebration starting at noon at Hart Plaza, complete with speakers, food, and live music! Later that night, we'll be joined by labor leaders from across the state, Professor Steve Babson, and Rep Andy Levin for a Virtual Town Hall to discuss labor history and the importance of passing the PRO Act. Whether you're interested in one or both events, we look forward to you joining us celebrating the workers who built our world!
Other participants included Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Panellists were Steve Babson and Jason Krzyslak with Josh Roskamp and Tom Burke both Grand Rapids Democratic Socialists of America. Jess Newman moderated.[2]