May 1 is significant to labor organizers and social movements across the world. It started to commemorate workers after a riot in Chicago in the 1880s. Today, the United States has Labor Day in September, but May Day continues to be a day of protest and celebration for workers internationally.
Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance’s “Unwavering Resilience, Unstoppable Joy” artist market opens on the evening of May Day at 10 East Arts.
“Realistically, organizers will be working all the way up to May Day and on May Day, and we wanted to be able to celebrate them at the end of the night together,” said Kayla Bledsoe, IUYA’s treasurer. Earlier in the day, Cosecha of Indiana will hold an International Worker’s Day rally at the Indiana Statehouse.
The money that the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance raises from the artist market will help pay for a full-time immigrant organizer position, someone whose role is to put together know your rights workshops, share resources at events and respond to people’s immediate needs.
“Unwavering Resilience” is interactive experience, and you can check out:
- Screen press printing with Johnny Willems
- Collage making with Vanessa Monfreda
- Ojo de Dios crafts with Sayra Perez
- A photobooth with Kenya Bustos
- Music from DJ Anthony
There will also be tostadas, rice, beans, conchas and drinks for sale. Artists will sell visual art, including prints, jewelry and zines. Each of the artists are donating at least 50% of the proceeds from their sales to IUYA.
IUYA started in 2011 after a sit-in at former Governor Mitch Daniel’s office in 2011, when he signed two immigration bills, including one prohibiting undocumented immigrants from being able to pay in-state tuition at Indiana colleges.
If you go
🗓️ 5-8:30 p.m. May 1
📍 3137 E. 10th St.
🎟️ Tickets are $25, or you can buy a family pack for 4, 5 or 8 people.
“Undocumented people, regardless of the administration, are constantly under threat and devalued in our country,” Bledsoe said. “ We want people to see and celebrate the resilience and also the community and beauty within the undocumented communities.”
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Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at [email protected].
