Our strength lies in our unity — our ability to come together, organize, educate and advocate.
Local 965 President Hershel Hartford
More than 50 people enjoyed burgers, hot dogs and fixin’s at Thursday’s May Day / Workers’ Day / National Day of Action 2025 picnic at Veterans Memorial Park hosted by UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965 and the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council (AFL-CIO). The assembled heard from state Rep. Denise Firmin Garner, D-Fayetteville, state Rep. Diana Gonzales Worthen, D-Springdale, and Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn. Preceding them was 965 President Hershel Hartford with the following:
National Day of Action
Dear Friends, Fellow Workers and Esteemed Guests,
Today, as we gather here in celebration of International Workers’ Day, we honor the vital contributions of every worker who has fought and continues to fight for justice, equality and the dignity that all labor deserves. This picnic is not merely a social gathering — it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the values that unite us, particularly in these challenging times.
As we reflect on the current climate — not only in Arkansas but across our nation — we must acknowledge the persistent threats to our fundamental rights and the very fabric of our democracy. The administration’s ongoing attacks on K-12 education and higher education put our future at stake. These are not just institutions, they are the bedrock of our society, nurturing knowledge, critical thinking and informed citizens. We cannot allow political agendas to jeopardize our children’s education, nor can we stand by as workers face hostility and oppression that denies them fair treatment, respect and opportunity.
The rights of workers, immigrants and marginalized communities are continually under siege. We have witnessed policies that erode due process, undermining the very principles that safeguard our liberties. But let us remember, the struggle for justice and truth is never an easy path, nor a short one. History tells us that every victory, every inch of progress, has been hard-fought and earned through the relentless dedication of people like you —passionate, brave, and unyielding in the face of adversity.
Today, I urge each and every one of you to remain active and vigilant. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for policy changes that enhance the rights of all workers. In this ongoing struggle, we must stand together, not just for our own rights but for the rights of all our brothers and sisters — those who toil in the shadows, those who come from different nations seeking a better life and those who dare to dream of a brighter future for their children.
Let us use our voices and our votes to protect public education and uphold the right to a quality education for every child. Let us demand fair labor practices that respect the dignity of our work and ensure a living wage for all. Let us extend our solidarity to immigrant communities who enrich our lives and our workforce. Together, we can build coalitions that amplify our causes and challenge the forces that seek to divide us.
As we stand at this crossroads, we have the opportunity to redefine what justice, truth and democracy mean for our society. We must harness our collective power to create a future where freedom is not merely a promise, but a reality for everyone. Our strength lies in our unity — our ability to come together, organize, educate and advocate.
So, let us celebrate our achievements, but let us also recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. Let every action we take echo with the clarity of our purpose: to protect and advance the rights of every worker, to defend our democratic institutions and to ensure a just and equitable society for generations to come.
Together, we rise. Together, we claim our future. Together, we will not be silenced.
Thank you for being here today. Thank you for your continued activism. Let’s celebrate our strength and prepare for the work ahead. Happy May Day!
Staff Appreciation Picnic
Then on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, representatives of Local 965 and the Arkansas Education Association ran a booth on the Fayetteville UA campus at the well-attended annual Staff Appreciation Picnic hosted by the Staff Senate.
UA-Fayetteville Education Association 