Chattanooga Workers for Black Lives: Rally, Stories and March will be held on Saturday from 5-7:30 p.m.
Gatherers will meet at Miller Park for the opening address.
"We will begin our walk at 5:20 p.m., where we will hear from essential workers, faith leaders and labor leaders at key sites throughout downtown," officials said.
The event is hosted by Unity Group of Chattanooga & East TN Poor People’s Campaign, with support from Chattanooga Area Labor Council, IATSE Local 140, CWA-UCW Chattanooga, USW 15120, ATU 1212, Cumberland Center for Peace & Justice, DSA Chattanooga and Tennessee United.
Officials said, "As workers, we realize that we cannot fight for workplace rights and economic justice without also fighting for racial justice. Now more than ever, it is important for our labor and community movements to recognize the struggles of our black and brown brothers and sisters.
"This Saturday, we invite our co-workers and neighbors to gather at Miller Park and walk to key sites around downtown and Westside Chattanooga. As we walk, we will hear from essential workers, faith leaders and labor leaders about the intersection of the labor movement and the struggle for black and brown futures.
"In the midst of Covid-19, essential workers everywhere have been put on the front lines of a global health crisis without proper personal protective equipment, adequate healthcare and hazard pay. As we continue to see record levels of unemployment, federal UI benefits are set to expire next week leaving millions of American workers with no safety net. This is disproportionately affecting our black and Latinx communities.
"Now more than ever, we must be vigilant in passing local and state budgets and other legislation that confronts privatization and layoffs to undo the legacy of white supremacy and poverty. We must build solidarity with other grassroots organizations fighting for our communities. We must pay attention to and get involved in our local elections. We must organize with our co-workers. We must actively confront racism in our personal lives and in our workplaces and remember that 'an injury to one, is an injury to all.'
"We will be encouraging attendees to call Senator Lamar Alexander and ask him to vote "Yes" on the HEROES Act to ensure that workers are provided hazard pay, and that UI benefits are extended.
"We will be using sidewalks and following all pedestrian right-of-way laws as we walk. We will be providing masks, and water to make sure everyone stays safe and hydrated."