Asheville, September 2, 2025

News Summary

Over 500 people gathered in downtown Asheville for the Labor Day rally organized by Indivisible Asheville, promoting workers’ rights, public education funding, and Social Security. The rally featured speeches addressing urgent social justice issues and aimed to unite the middle class, working class, and impoverished. The event generated significant enthusiasm and was part of a series of similar rallies across Western North Carolina, reflecting a growing movement for systemic change and social activism.

Asheville Holds Labor Day Rally for Workers’ Rights

More than 500 people gathered in downtown Asheville on Labor Day for the “Workers Over Billionaires” rally. This event, organized by the group Indivisible Asheville, focused on advocating for the rights of the working class, funding public education, and safeguarding Social Security.

The rally commenced at 10:30 a.m. at Pack Square Park and saw an increase in participants as the event progressed. Attendees marched through the streets of Asheville, encompassing the perimeter of the park, Pritchard Park, and along Patton Avenue. Many participants carried signs that promoted various issues related to workers’ rights and social justice.

During the event, speakers received enthusiastic applause while addressing urgent needs for decent housing and living wages for the working class. Several signs criticized the policies of former President Donald Trump and expressed concerns regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Support for Workers’ Movement

Alongside the Asheville rally, other “Workers Over Billionaires” events took place across Western North Carolina, including locations such as Brevard, Bryson City, Burnsville, Franklin, Hayesville, and Old Fort. The overarching theme of these rallies was to unite three key groups: the middle class, the working class, and the impoverished.

Additionally, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders recently held his “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” tour in Asheville, drawing a large crowd the previous Sunday before the Labor Day rally. A significant turnout was recorded, with attendees lining up outside the Harrah’s Cherokee Center as early as 11:30 a.m.. Many of them wore campaign gear and advocated for civil rights and democracy.

Historical Context

The activism showcased at the Labor Day rally is not new to Asheville. Local residents like AJ Smith, a 77-year-old cancer survivor, have demonstrated commitment to social justice and activism for decades, recalling her participation in protests during the Vietnam War. This connection to activism serves as a strong foundation for current movements advocating for workers’ rights.

As communities across the nation continue to grapple with inequality and economic challenges, events like the Labor Day rally in Asheville aim to amplify voices calling for systemic change. While organizers have yet to release official attendance numbers for the Labor Day rally or Sanders’ previous event, the expression of solidarity among participants was evident throughout the event.

Conclusion

The Labor Day rally in Asheville is part of a broader initiative celebrating workers and challenging the increasing wealth gap in society. With the clear message of prioritizing workers over billionaires, the rally signifies a collective push for policies that benefit communities and emphasize the importance of the working class.

FAQ Section

Key Features of the Rally

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Nationwide ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ Protests Ignite Across America
Asheville City Council Approves Major Infrastructure Recovery Projects
California’s Move to Secure High-Speed Rail Funding
Community Rallies to Distribute Backpacks in Asheville
YWCA Asheville Launches Free Onsite Childcare for Employees
Sierra Ferrell to Perform Benefit Concert in Asheville
Bipartisan Coalition Demands Release of Epstein Files
Asheville Hosts ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ Protests
Asheville Hosts Successful Conclusion of The Big Crafty Art and Craft Fair
HHS Secretary Announces Ban on Undocumented Immigrant Children from Head Start

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Asheville Crowd Participates in Workers Over Billionaires Rally
• MSN: Asheville Workers Over Billionaires Protest
• Daily Kos: Asheville Open Thread
• 828 News Now: Union and Protest Shirts Everywhere at Asheville Rally
• Wikipedia: Labor Movement

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.