Thousands of New Yorkers March to Protect Migrants and the Planet

On Earth Day and the anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, thousands gathered at Bryant Park to participate in the Migrant March to Protect Migrants and the Planet. The event, organized by the 50501 NY collective along with other local and national organizations, is part of the broader Summer of Heat campaign, which aims to raise public awareness about the connections between the climate crisis, economic inequality, and forced migration. The march comes two weeks after the Hands Off! protest, which also brought out thousands of protesters and was also organized by 50501.

The march began at noon with a series of public speeches, as well as artistic and musical performances. The demonstrators then marched through the streets of Midtown Manhattan, uniting their voices in defense of migrants and the planet. The marchers eventually returned to the starting point, where additional speeches took place.

The core of the initiative was the Declaration of Interdependence, a document that emphasized the inseparable link between human rights, climate justice, and the protection of vulnerable communities, particularly migrant populations, especially those from Global South countries hit hardest by the climate crisis.

The march was not only a protest against current policies but also a call for radical change. Activists urged the protection of migrant communities and the end of the abuses committed by the government and multinational corporations against people and the planet. For the organizers, the struggle must be guided by a vision of interdependence, where solidarity between peoples and environmental protection are the foundations for building a fairer and more sustainable future for all.

In this context, the march organizers declared that the movement intends to keep the focus on these issues, involving more and more people and communities across the country. Today’s event represents just the beginning of a series of actions that are set continue over the coming months.