On April 12, 2025, a vibrant rally at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles drew approximately 36,000 attendees, showcasing a powerful coalition of musicians and political leaders united under the banner of the "Fight the Oligarchy" tour. Spearheaded by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the event was a clarion call for social justice and economic reform, resonating deeply with the crowd.
As the rally kicked off, the Raise Gospel Choir set an uplifting tone by performing Jackie Wilson's classic, "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," at around 9:30 a.m. Sanders, taking the stage shortly after, expressed gratitude to the crowd, declaring, "Your presence here today is making Donald Trump and Elon Musk very nervous." His remarks were met with thunderous applause, emphasizing the rally's significance as the largest yet in the ongoing tour.
Throughout the day, a diverse lineup of speakers and performers addressed pressing issues, from wealth inequality to labor rights. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who described herself as "queer" and the daughter of undocumented immigrants, highlighted the disconnection between the Democratic Party and the working class, stating, "The Democratic Party that had abandoned the working class found that the working class abandoned the Democratic Party." Her words resonated with many, setting the tone for a rally that aimed to critique both corporate Democrats and MAGA Republicans.
Unite HERE Local 11 Co-President Ada Briceno spoke passionately about the hotel strike of 2024, rallying the crowd with a call-and-response that echoed through the park: "When we strike!" to which the audience responded, "We win!" This spirit of defiance was palpable throughout the event, with speakers like Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress, emphasizing the power of collective action against the entrenched interests of billionaires.
Musical performances were integral to the rally's atmosphere, with iconic artists like Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers taking the stage. Young, in particular, electrified the audience with renditions of "Rockin' in the Free World" and "Rainbow of Colors." Notably, Baez and Rogers joined him on stage, harmonizing on the chorus of Young's classic while encouraging chants of "Power to the People" and "Take America Back." Young's choice to replace his signature guitar solo with a harmonica interlude was a refreshing twist, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the cause.
Joan Baez also captivated the crowd with her performances of traditional songs, including "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" and John Lennon's "Imagine," while Rogers contributed her own hits like "Light On" and "Different Kind of World." The blending of music and activism created an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1960s, invoking a sense of nostalgia for past movements while addressing contemporary issues.
Throughout the event, speakers tackled a range of topics, including the ongoing fight against fascism and the need for systemic change. City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez delivered a powerful speech, condemning the economic disparities that plague society and calling for collective power in the face of oppression. "When three Americans have more wealth than more than half the country, it’s time to change the rules," she declared, echoing a sentiment shared by many at the rally.
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez also took the stage, decrying the influence of the billionaire class in Washington, D.C. He declared, "Are we going to stay quiet? Hell motherfucking no! We are the 'Fuck around and find out' generation," igniting cheers from the crowd.
As the rally progressed, the focus shifted toward healthcare and labor rights, with Sandy Reding, President of the California Nurses Association, emphasizing the fight against corporate interests that threaten essential services like Medicare and Social Security. Reding's passionate remarks highlighted the urgent need for reform, stating, "We know who’s hoarding the wealth, it’s the billionaires, corporations." The call for solidarity resonated deeply, with attendees echoing the sentiment that collective action is essential for meaningful change.
Even as the rally showcased a diverse array of perspectives, the overarching theme remained clear: a rejection of the oligarchic structures that dominate American politics. Rep. Pramila Jayapal urged the crowd to fight against unelected billionaires, asserting, "Our love is greater than their greed and our power will eclipse their cruelty." This message of unity and resilience was echoed by many speakers, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing to challenge the status quo.
As the event neared its conclusion, AOC took the stage, demanding justice for pro-Palestinian activists and calling attention to the everyday corruption that permeates politics. "I don’t care what party you are... I don’t take a dime in corporate money and you have me to stand up for you," she stated, highlighting her commitment to fighting for the working class.
Senator Sanders wrapped up the rally with a rousing speech, invoking the words of Frederick Douglass: "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." His call to action resonated with the crowd, who responded with chants of solidarity, underscoring the event's mission to empower the disenfranchised.
The Fight the Oligarchy rally not only highlighted the frustrations of many Americans but also served as a reminder of the power of collective action. As attendees left Gloria Molina Grand Park, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.
