Across the nation, workers, students and families are preparing for May Day protests on Friday, May 1, built around a simple message: America should work for working people — not just billionaires.
Unlike the recent “No Kings” protests, which focused largely on opposition to President Donald Trump’s growing authoritarianism, the May Day Strong movement is centered on a specific economic platform: tax the rich, reduce corporate power, and use that money to make life more affordable for everyday Americans.
Organizers say this is not just another protest. It is being promoted as “a day of action,” with calls for “No Work. No School. No Shopping.” The goal is to disrupt business as usual and remind the country how much power ordinary people have when they act together.
National organizers expect more than 3,500 actions across the country under the May Day Strong banner, with demands focused on workers over billionaires, taxing the rich, expanding democracy, removing ICE from communities, and shifting money away from war and toward people’s everyday needs.
At the center of the platform is the belief that billionaires and large corporations should pay more in taxes so families can better afford housing, child care, health care, education, groceries, transportation and utilities.
Supporters point to examples like Massachusetts, where voters approved a surtax on income above $1 million that now helps fund education and transportation programs. Advocates argue that workers create much of the nation’s wealth but receive a shrinking share of its benefits, while billionaires continue to grow richer through investments and tax systems many say favor the wealthy.
May Day itself — International Workers’ Day — has long been tied to labor rights movements around the world. Organizers say this year’s protests are meant to reclaim that tradition and connect it to today’s affordability crisis.
Several events are planned across Kansas and Missouri.
Kansas City Events
No Billionaires in Our Backyards
4:30 p.m. Friday
Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park
1123 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO
This rally focuses on the rapid growth of data centers and the power of Big Tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. Organizers are demanding stronger environmental protections, no tax incentives for data centers, full transparency about data collection, and requiring billionaires to cover the full utility burden instead of passing costs to residents.
How The Bus Will Save Us
1:30–3:30 p.m. Friday
Inner Space Yoga
2711 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO
Hosted by Sunrise Movement Kansas City, this event connects public transportation, labor rights and climate justice, with discussion about how stronger bus systems can support workers and reduce environmental harm.
May Day Rally and March
5:30–7:30 p.m. Friday
Washington Square Park
100 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO
Hosted by Indivisible Kansas City and the Missouri Workers Center, this rally emphasizes protecting democracy and ensuring tax dollars support working people instead of billionaires and corporations.
Wichita Events
ICT May Day — A Day of Action
6–7:30 p.m. Friday
Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park
205 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita
Hosted by Defend Democracy ICT, organizers say this event is focused on helping people move beyond protest by connecting with campaigns, candidates and organizing efforts across Kansas.
Tax Big Oil Rally
Noon–1:30 p.m. Friday
Delano Clock Tower
601 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita
This climate-focused rally calls for taxing fossil fuel companies, stronger environmental protections, and public investment that benefits families instead of corporate profits.
Organizers say the message behind all of the events is the same: when billionaires shape public policy through wealth and influence, working people must answer with collective action.
Because when billionaires break every rule, they say, it takes more than a rally to stop them.
Want to Learn More About the May Day Strong Movement?
Check out our March 6, 2026 cover story “As Costs Rise, Movement to “Tax the Rich” Gains Momentum.”
Go to: https://bit.ly/4eLHrMT
To find an event near you go to: https://maydaystrong.org/
