Brooklyn: march for communism!

Hundreds of lively, determined, and celebratory workers gathered in Brooklyn to celebrate May Day this year. (see letters on page 6). With our red flags, red stars, and red ponchos we were prepared and ready to share—leaflets for the chants and water bottles for when the scorching sun eventually came out. We continued with what was planned and kept each other’s morale high. To start, one comrade gave a speech in Spanish about the migrant caravan and two new Progressive Labor Party (PLP) members presented speeches on why they joined, speaking to how capitalism affects disabled people, pushes people to escapism and how the extension of racism leaves workers isolated in this deplorable system.
 By the time the third speech was finished, the sun came out and so did onlookers from restaurants, salons and bodegas.
 Wave those red flags, wave them high. The COMMUNISTS are marching by!
A great number of us marched behind a large truck, decked out in communist banners in English, Spanish and Creole, walking tough and determined as we waved our red flags in the air. There were many new workers and students joining the march for the first time. They were introduced to our politics through our bold chants. On both sides of the street, there were several comrades on each block distributing papers. Collectively we disributed hundreds of Challenge papers, connecting with people peeking out of their shops and cars while some workers even ran up to comrades and requested copies before we could ask. And even when some people didn’t take our papers or humorously danced to the reggae and hip-hop instrumentals, it was evident that most knew our lines were strong and serious. Many others shared expressions of affirmation and joy in response to our militant messages. All throughout the Avenue, Brooklynites rapped along with the chants, cheering us on as we encouraged them to fight back and join our march.
We got to fight back!
As we reached our destination, and gathered to hear the main speech in Spanish and English we were met by 14 police vehicles and 30 individual cops standing on the edge of our demonstration signaling their bosses’ fear of workers’ growing desire to seize power through communist revolution. May Day is a celebration of the revolutionary potential of the working class. It is a celebration of our long march towards a world without racism, sexism, and exploitation. And, we need YOU to join the fight!
Who are we? PLP
 For the first time in years, a high school student gave the main speech, speaking out about how racism affects students, from racist policies to ICE terror. We also honored a family that has been actively marching with PLP for 4 generations, starting with a man who is now 90 years old. His son came in his honor, sharing that his father had instilled communist values and the importance of fightback since he was a 16-year-old. This year he was able to bring his son and grandson along with him. While we did face some opposition once we reached the end of the rally at Prospect Park, we still won over many workers. One man on his bike, hoarse from cursing communism, ranted about how it doesn’t work and we should give up and fight for capitalism. Instead of meeting the man with his aggressive energy, we continued on and chanted QUE VIVA! QUE VIVA! QUE VIVA EL COMUNISMO! Another worker that wasn’t with PLP loudly challenged the antagonist to look up what capitalism actually means, further stating that “capitalism means only a few benefit from the exploitation of many and does not work for the greater good of us all.” It was moving to witness what happens when one person stands against the Party’s line and we not only stand strong together but have more workers join our side. We encourage friends of the party to join PLP and comrades that are already a part to remain firm in what we fight for. Communism will win! Que viva el comunismo!