Partisan protests are ahead for this week in Alaska and across the nation.
Alaska’s socialists, progressives, never-Trumpers, and Democrats will be part of the nationwide wave of May Day demonstrations, repurposing the traditional socialist labor holiday into another in the series that have taken place in opposition to the Trump White House.
Organized under the banners such the “50501” and “Hands Off!” movements, the rallies are part of a broader national mobilization involving over 150 progressive, labor, and civil rights organizations.​
For those traveling to Seattle or other major cities in the Lower 48, be aware that freeways may be blocked and traffic in town centers to be impeded, as the May Day protests may be the biggest yet in the series that started immediately after Donald Trump was sworn in. Owners of Tesla vehicles may want to garage them for the day to avoid vandalism.
In Alaska, events are scheduled in multiple communities, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Sitka, Valdez, Skagway, Haines, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Girdwood, and Gustavus.Â
Most of these gatherings are set to take place Thursday and feature marches, chanting, speeches, and the same kinds of cardboard signs used in recent weeks that call for the impeachment and imprisonment of Trump, calling for the removal of Elon Musk from his role in creating more government efficiency. And protesters will stand up for waste, fraud and abuse by the government.
The “50501” movement, named for “50 protests, 50 states, one movement,” has been coordinating many of these efforts. In Anchorage, the Party for Socialism and Liberation is among the local groups spearheading the May Day events. Their outreach emphasizes opposition to what they describe as the administration’s “far-right billionaire agenda.
In Alaska, there are events planned in these communities (not a comprehensive list):
Fairbanks, 5 pm, May 1, Veterans Memorial Park, 700 Cushman St,
Wasilla, 5:30 pm, May 1, Newcomb Park Wasilla Lake , 891 E Parks Highway
Juneau, 5 – 6:30 pm, May 1, in front of State Capitol
Sitka, 12 pm, May 1, Crescent Harbor Net Shed, 330 Harbor Dr.
Gustavus, 2 pm Saturday, May 3
Skagway, 5:30 pm, May 1, Centennial Park
Petersburg, 12-1 pm, May 1, Bushmann Park, Main Street
Haines, 12 pm, May 1, Third and Main St.
Valdez, 5 pm, May 1, State Court Building
Girdwood, 2 pm, May 1, Alyeska Highway & Hightower Road Intersection
Anchorage, 5 pm May 1, Delaney Park Strip, W 9th Ave.
5:30 pm, May 1, Talkeetna Village Park, East Main Street & Talkeetna Spur Road
