Chicago Congressman Luis Gutierrez (above, speaking to the crwod on May 1) received a massive ovation when he was introduced to speak. In the face of one of the most conservative congresses in U.S. history, Gutierrez continued to champion the rights of immigrants. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.

Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (above, speaking to the crowd on May 1) wore her UNITE HERE cap throughout the march and rally. Schakowsky told the crowd that her congressional district was one of the most diverse in the United States, and that her job included making certain that everyone who lived there was treated fairly. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.  

Amisha Patel (above speaking) told the crowd that Chicago’s South Asian population is growing very rapidly. Patel serves as community director for SEIU Local 73, which represents public employees in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. To Patel’s right is Jamiko Rose of Chicago’s Organization of the Northeast (ONE) who served as MC for much of the event. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.
 

Thousands of teachers, students, and school administrators participated in the May 1 events, like those above (photographed as Substance’s photographer was rushing to cover the main stage events). The leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union snubbed the event completely. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.  

In addition to support from the Chicago area’s growing Islamic community, the march received support from the Chicago-based Nation of Islam (above). Speakers from the Nation of Islam addressed the crowd in Spanish and were enthusiastically cheered. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.