Hundreds Gather in San Bernardino to Celebrate Labor, Immigrant Rights, and Community Solidarity
On May 1, several hundred community members gathered in San Bernardino for Inland Empire May Day 2026. Workers, families, students, and community organizations from across the region came together for a day of solidarity, education, and collective action.
Observed around the world as International Workers’ Day, May Day recognizes the contributions of working people while advocating for dignity, fairness, and opportunity. In the Inland Empire, the event also highlighted the close connection between labor rights, immigrant rights, and economic justice. These issues continue to shape the lives of many residents throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Throughout the afternoon, participants marched through San Bernardino carrying signs, chanting messages of solidarity, and standing alongside neighbors committed to building a stronger and more inclusive Inland Empire. Community organizations hosted resource tables, connected residents with services, and created opportunities for education, conversation, and civic engagement.
Supporting Community Through Partnership
Inland Empire United Education Fund participated as a coalition partner alongside organizations including Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice and Warehouse Workers Resource Center.
While many organizations helped lead the day’s programming and mobilization efforts, IE United Education Fund supported attendees by distributing water and snacks while connecting with community members and partner organizations.
Community events like May Day demonstrate the power of collaboration. They bring together organizations working across different issues while strengthening relationships that continue long after the event has ended.
Why May Day Matters in the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire is home to one of the nation’s largest logistics industries and a diverse population of workers and immigrant families. As the region continues to grow, many communities remain focused on issues such as economic opportunity, workplace protections, immigrant rights, and civic participation.
May Day creates space for these conversations while celebrating the people who help build and strengthen our communities every day. It also reminds us that meaningful change begins when neighbors, workers, students, and organizations come together around shared values.
Building Community Beyond a Single Day
Although May Day is observed once each year, the work it represents continues every day.
Across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, community organizations educate residents, encourage civic participation, advocate for working families, and strengthen neighborhoods through collaboration. Inland Empire United Education Fund is proud to contribute to that work by supporting community partnerships, expanding civic education, and creating opportunities for residents to become more engaged in shaping the future of the Inland Empire.
As communities continue organizing for positive change, Inland Empire May Day serves as a reminder that lasting progress is built through participation, partnership, and a shared commitment to one another.
