Defend our rights, protest in peace: Wilson doubles down

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Mayor Keith Wilson today joined a coalition of mayors from around the United States to sign the Haymarket Declaration, a joint commitment to use the power of cities to defend democracy, workers' rights, and the livelihoods of their residents.

Recognizing May Day and the anniversary of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, the declaration builds upon cooperation among progressive cities standing up to the Trump administration, while demonstrating solidarity, resilience, and a commitment to economic justice.

"In crisis, mayors are looked to for leadership - they are the political first responders," Wilson said, joining fellow mayors in a national press conference. "We have to protest with peace and purpose. When the community stands strong together, nothing can stand in our way."

"In a time when the federal government is undermining the norms of our democratic society, I'm grateful for this chance to state our values together. We have to work together to push back against federal overreach and keep our democracy strong for the next 250 years," Wilson said.

The declaration makes several commitments:

• Protect First Amendment rights and peaceful protest
• Advance workers' rights and economic justice
• Lower costs and defend essential services
• Expand access to good jobs by removing artificial barriers
• Build safer communities through prevention and trust
• Defend immigrant communities
• Protect voting rights and local elections

Read the Haymarket Declaration

The mayors who have signed the declaration represent nine cities with a collective population of 9.5 million residents. They include:

• Mayor Keith Wilson, City of Portland
• Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago
• Mayor Katie Wilson, City of Seattle
• Mayor Karen Bass, City of Los Angeles
• Mayor Ras Baraka, City of Newark
• Mayor Jacob Frey, City of Minneapolis
• Mayor James Solomon, City of Jersey City
• Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, City of Madison
• Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, City of Albany

Learn more about how Portland is safeguarding our community:

• Portland Values and the Federal Government
• Standing up for Portland: Legal Action
• Protect Portland Initiative