Thursday, the Democratic Party of Franklin County hosted a May Day protest at the courthouse in Hampton.
Franklin County Democrats sponsored the event at the request of some community members, but it was recognized as a non-partisan gathering as part of International Workers’ Day, which is observed May 1st.
In a statement to RadioOnTheGo News, Franklin County Democratic Chair Catherine Crooks says “this is not about ‘us’ versus ‘them,’ or ‘left’ versus ‘right.’ You can be conservative and still oppose things that are happening in our government under the current leadership.”
She adds “in cities large and small, all over the country, groups have been getting together on the same days as a show of unity in an attempt to get the attention of our elected leaders. We hope they will see that we are concerned about what is going on in our country.”
Crooks says 15 people took part in Thursday’s peaceful protest.
Photo courtesy of Franklin County Democratic Chair, Catherine Crooks, with her full statement from Thursday below;
“May Day is International Workers’ Day, a day to commemorate the struggle for workers rights. Many people feel that there is currently a threat to public services, labor rights, the working class, and immigrants safety (regardless of their legal status), therefore May 1st rallies were set up in thousands of cities to show opposition to specific policies and actions.
The Franklin County Democrats sponsored this event by request of some community members, however we advertised this as a non-partisan gathering at the Franklin County Courthouse.
This is not about “us” versus “them,” or “Left” versus “Right.” You can be conservative and still oppose things that are happening in our government under the current leadership.
In cities large and small all over the country groups have been getting together on the same days as a show of unity in an attempt to get the attention of our elected leaders. We hope that they will see that we are concerned about what is going on in our country.
I know that not everyone is comfortable putting themselves out there in a public manner, but I know there are a lot of people who are concerned and even frightened right now. I invite you all to step a bit out of your comfort zone for what you believe in. You will find you are not alone!
Does it do any good? I certainly think so! We may not have the crowd size of a larger city, but I’m proud of everyone who shows up, or supports the cause in their own way. 15 people on a rainy weekday in Franklin County is a very positive thing.
We the people are united.”
