I know these final posts before a big action are long, but it’s for everyone’s safety and to ensure our visibility event is as VISIBLE as possible.

This year, Labor Day comes amid assaults from so many directions on working people and immigrants.

Working people deserve so much more. Our immigrant neighbors deserve to live and work in peace… with their FAMILIES intact.

Imagine if your spouse, parent, or loved one just didn’t come home tomorrow. Imagine the stress and overwhelming worry of how you will continue to provide for your family with them gone.

Labor Day gives us a clear opportunity to show that we’re on the side of immigrants and working people against these attacks, and to continue building a movement strong enough to achieve a better world.

KEY REMINDERS AND LOGISTICS

Time & Location: We’ll be gathering at the terraced lawn between the Henley St. Bridge and One Riverwalk Apartments (where Baptist Hospital used to be) at 12pm. There will be a quick inspirational intro at the terraced lawn, so be sure to meet there before heading to the bridge.

Parking is available at Kerns Food Hall and the Riverwalk Garage (the entrance is BEHIND the building off of Kay St. Be sure to look for spaces with the letter P for public parking!)

Follow this link for a detailed map with legend of the Labor Day event meeting location, walking route, placement by mobility, parking options, and locations of public restrooms:

Labor Day information map 1SEPT2025 –

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1EDVTdYE7YgNySi_c-mxFi4CLvWvde-w&usp=sharing

There is a safe drop off point for those not driving at the east end of One Riverwalk apartments – check the event map for exact coordinates.

We will leave the event space YOUNG AND ABLE FIRST, then walk to the North end of the bridge with our signs. LIMITED MOBILITY goes last so they walk the least distance – feel free to bring a folding chair and set up on the grassy area at the intersection of Blount and Henley if walking the bridge would be difficult or taxing.

Once we’re all in place, be sure your signs are visible to passing traffic!

What to Bring:

Hydration: Bring plenty of water. (There is a fountain on the lawn to refill your bottles.)

Weather protection: Bring a raincoat – there is a slight chance of rain. (It can be windy on the bridge, so umbrellas are probably a bad idea.) Farmers’ hats to protect from the sun and in support of immigrant farm workers are also a great idea!

Comfortable Clothing.

Signs: Please bring any signs you’d like to display – we are concentrating on Workers Over Billionaires AND our immigrant neighbors who have lost their primary earners in the raids.

Cash: It’s always good to have some cash on hand for any unexpected needs.

Medications: If you have any necessary medications, please bring them.

Safety:

Stay Hydrated: hydrate well before, and drink plenty of water throughout the event.

Communicate: Stay in contact with your group or a designated contact person. Look out for our team’s volunteers in yellow vests if anything arises.

Be Aware of Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be extra careful and conscientious of others while we are on the sidewalks.

Wear Good Walking Shoes: We will be on a variety of terrain, in a crowd, and carrying a sign, so it’s very important to have on stable footwear.

Stay Calm and Peaceful: Remember to maintain a peaceful and non-violent demeanor and DO NOT ENGAGE with anyone who seems hostile.

In Case Of Agitators, Use The Grey Rock Technique: That just means you want to be “as boring as a grey rock.” If someone is trying to get you to engage in confrontation – wander off, notify a volunteer, talk to your friend about what kind of pizza you like, look blankly into the middle distance. No one has ever convinced anyone of anything by getting in a yelling match in the street. People use our passions to create problems – don’t get suckered in.

The event is rain or shine:

Please don’t stay home because you will get wet, but wear rain gear – and bring ponchos to share if you feel so inclined!

This is a quiet visibility event, not a disruption event. Our signs and sheer NUMBERS are our noise!

After the Demonstration:

Join us at Kerns Food Hall for the AFTER PARTY!

Stay Informed: Be sure you are on our mailing list so we can keep you updated on our next steps after Labor Of Love.

Stay in Touch: Let’s keep the conversation going after the demonstration.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Last but not least, don’t forget to help clean up any trash during our event, so the space is left better than we found it.

And don’t forget to make a donation to support families affected by ICE raids!

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/labor-of-love

This is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to peaceful demonstration as the path to change.

Here is a GREAT video on non violence, de-escalation, and your rights while publicly demonstrating:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=JBESWepShHg2Z5NA&v=_Pgmn9QRr48&feature=youtu.be

Check out ACLU’s ‘Know Your Rights’ resources:

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights

Also note that in Knoxville, a handicapped driver can park in any municipally owned or leased parking lot or metered space for the maximum allowed time without charge, as per Knoxville’s Code of Ordinances.

It’s going to be a busy holiday in downtown Knoxville, so if you are local you may want to consider taking public transportation or ride with a friend!

See You Soon,

The Indivisible Knoxville Planning Team