Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Lower Manhattan on Thursday, gathering near Wall Street to demand economic justice, stronger diversity policies, and greater corporate accountability.
Organized by civil rights leaders and advocacy groups, the rally was led by Reverend Al Sharpton, who said the march was aimed at challenging what he called corporate America’s retreat from diversity and inclusion while highlighting economic disparities that he said have worsened in recent years.
“We’re coming to Wall Street instead of Washington this year,” Sharpton told the crowd, explaining the decision to stage the protest in the heart of the U.S. financial district. He accused corporate leaders of benefiting from government tax breaks while social welfare programs, including Medicaid and food assistance, continue to face cuts.
The demonstration brought together community groups, faith-based organizations, and social justice activists, filling the streets around the financial district with chants of “No justice, no peace” and signs that read “Billionaires back off” and “We want economic justice.”
Organizers said the march was designed to push back against corporate America’s withdrawal from diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts under pressure from the Trump administration and to spotlight the economic power of Black communities.
Sharpton told reporters that holding Wall Street accountable was central to achieving broader social change.
He said corporate influence on government policies has deepened inequalities across the country and called on financial institutions to invest more in underserved communities.
Protesters demanded reforms to ensure fairer tax policies and protect federal assistance programs. Many argued that the growing concentration of wealth has come at the expense of working families and low-income communities who have been left behind.
Among those marching was Jackie Barham, a member of Brooklyn Baptist Church, who said she joined the protest because of what she described as unchecked corporate greed.
“Corporate elites are running America, and we want to try and do something about that.. One of my main concerns is corporate greed right now and how we have so many people that are making so much money, and their interest in the government,” Barham said
Her frustration reflected the sentiments of many demonstrators who accused Wall Street firms of prioritizing profits over equity and social responsibility.
Thursday’s rally marked a shift in protest strategy for Sharpton and other leaders, who have typically focused demonstrations in Washington.
By choosing Wall Street as the site, organizers sought to send a direct message to corporate leaders, underscoring their role in shaping economic policies and racial equity practices.
Sharpton argued that addressing inequality requires more than government action. “You cannot separate the economic policies from the social realities. If corporations are getting tax breaks while poor communities are losing access to essential services, then the problem is bigger than Congress,” he said during his remarks
Activists said Thursday’s demonstration was not the end of their campaign. Organizers announced plans to continue lobbying financial institutions and government leaders to adopt policies that support both economic fairness and diversity initiatives.
They also pledged to increase public pressure on corporations to recommit to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that have recently been scaled back.
The rally’s messaging aligned with broader calls from advocacy groups demanding stronger protections for federal aid programs and renewed investment in social safety nets.
Demonstrators argued that without sustained action, economic disparities would continue to widen, leaving marginalized communities struggling while corporate profits grow.
For protesters like Barham, the stakes felt deeply personal, as she said communities like hers have been disproportionately affected by policy decisions that favor wealthy corporations over working families.
The Wall Street march represented a convergence of economic and social justice campaigns, bringing renewed attention to wealth inequality, racial equity, and corporate responsibility.
With signs, chants, and speeches, demonstrators sought to amplify their demands to an audience they believe holds the financial power to drive change.
Organizers promised to maintain pressure on Wall Street and called for stronger corporate commitments to diversity and inclusion, as well as equitable tax and economic policies.
As Sharpton put it during the rally, “We are not here just to shout slogans; we are here to make sure that those who control the money understand they have a responsibility to the people.”
By: Joshua Narh