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Current and future workers across Arizona joined hands this month to celebrate the history of the labor movement on May 1, also known as May Day or International Workers� Day.

Flagstaff, which is home to the Flagstaff Living Wage Coalition, was just one of many national communities to join in protests and educational activities this May Day.

A standout organization was Northern Arizona University's (NAU) United Left Coalition (ULC), which organized a student-led march from NAU’s campus to City Hall in addition to a May Day discussion panel.

Founded in October of 2024, the ULC has been working tirelessly to foster a community rooted in equality and working class solidarity.

Amineh Simone, Vice President of the ULC, emphasized the importance of organizing the event and how May Day reflects the group’s broader mission to engage working-class people -- especially students -- in community involvement.

“The United Left Coalition stands for equality, for working-class consciousness and for a strong, unified front against the dangers of fascism and capitalism,� she says. “May Day is a celebration of workers rights and autonomy, and the ULC values working class solidarity and the movement of the working class as a solid front -- so of course we wanted to promote these ideas, especially under the current political state.�

Simone further emphasized the importance of student involvement, noting, “We heard so often during the creation of this event that students ARE the future, and how empowering it is for them to see us there, spearheading both a movement of resistance, but also an opportunity to educate. Those two things are synonymous -- you do not see the uneducated standing for what is right.�

The event, which had been underway since February, focused on working-class solidarity and was led by student activists who marched from NAU’s campus to Flagstaff City Hall. There, they joined several local organizations to rally on the front lawn. Participants gathered as student organizers spoke publicly about their experiences as young workers and urged onlookers to unite in solidarity against today’s political climate.

“Regardless of our political beliefs, we are ALL workers, and that will not change,� says Simone.

Following the march, participants gathered in NAU’s Liberal Arts building for free food and a panel discussion featuring university faculty. Selected for their dedication and previous involvement in student movements, Dr. Gregory Lella, Dr. Lauren Lefty, Dr. Iuri Bauler-Pereira, Dr. Eyal Bar and Dr. Foster Chamberlin presented on the historical and contemporary significance of workers� movements in the U.S. and around the world.

Student organizations -- including PPGEN (Planned Parenthood Generation), NAMA (NAU Fashion Merchandising Club), NAU College Democrats, M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) and FFNAU (Fossil Free NAU) -- were also represented at the panel, alongside local vendors ChocoChipKitties and Scookies Cookies.

Simone reflected on how much she enjoyed working with her community while planning the event, saying, “When you are surrounded by people who want to make a change, and actually go out and do something, everything feels a little bit lighter.�

She then emphasized the value of standing up for what you believe in, adding, “I hope you understand the importance of taking a stand, and to advocate for what you believe in, because so often it feels like we are alone when that is definitely not the case.� She continued, “I want people to know that we are always growing, and looking for more ways to help our community. If you are interested in working with us, we would love to hear from you.�

As the United Left Coalition continues to grow and inspire change, their efforts highlight the power of community, solidarity and the enduring importance of fighting for what’s right.