The grassroots movement “50501” is planning a peaceful demonstration called “Light in the Darkness,” on May 1.
The event will take place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. along Florida Avenue/Kirby Avenue in Urbana, stretching from Blair Park to Hessel Park. Organizers are encouraging participants to bring signs to display before sunset, as well as a flashlight, headlamp, candle, or other light source to illuminate the evening.
The gathering is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to join, whether or not they are affiliated with the movement.
According to the movement’s announcement, the demonstration is a response to actions by former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who organizers say are trying to “stomp out our light and destroy our hope.”
The Urbana event is part of an international day of solidarity organized by independent local members.
In 2024, people gathered in cities around the world to demand better wages, improved working conditions, and political reforms.
In the United States, Demonstrations are planned in over 600 cities across all 50 states, with organizers denouncing what they called a “billionaire takeover” of the government and demanding an end to policies targeting unions, immigrants, and critical social programs.
Key grievances included:
- Cuts to Head Start, Medicaid, and Social Security in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy
- Mass deportations and the expulsion of migrants under controversial agreements
- Widespread layoffs of federal workers under the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk
- Suppression of free speech and arrests of student organizers.
May Day’s roots trace back to the labor movement’s fight for the eight-hour workday and have long been associated with mass mobilization and civil disobedience.
