10,000 march in Oakland against war, racism and poverty
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by Mauricio Guiterriz/PNN Youth in the Media Correspondent So there we walked - all colors, sizes and ages in step with justice - in step with peace - in step with solidarity - yes there we all walked... in Oakland - in the same streets that the Black Panthers and Dr. King and Malcolm and all the great leaders known and unknown who have walked to call on justice for people all over the world being wrongly assaulted, harassed and murdered for no reason at all.... Conscious Soundz from hip Hop scholars such as Blackalicious and DavyD charged up the growing crowd at Mosswood Park on Saturday, April 5th at the 10,000 strong march against war and racism in Oakland - after many inspiring speeches youth, adults and elders of all ages, cultures and colors commenced down the sleepy streets of Downtown Oakland, " this is a march for Peace Not war!" The crowd screamed back "NOT War" - we all danced in unison with the salsa, samba and african rythems that followed us to Frank Ogawa Plaza " Schools Not bombs...Healthcare Not Bombs... Seniors not Bombs" The rally began for me when I had the privelege of hearing state assembly speaker Wilma Chan, the first Asian American woman who is leader of the assembly speak up In our names - speak truth to power and not be afraid. She was followed by the truly courageous Barbara Lee who has had the ongoing strength to speak up against this illegal war when noone else did..." I am so glad to be in Oakland - you have the power - you have the strength", she was followed by a chant frm the crowd, "impeach Bush, Impeach Bush...." Organizer and activist Hari Dillon came up to the podium next, " I have asked the next esteemed speaker to come to California to march with us in January and he said no I asked him to march with us in February and last month I asked him to come to the march on the 15th - each time he said he couldn't make it - last time i asked him why and he answered, " When you march in Oakland , I'll come... " Mr. Dillon went on to describe the wonders of Harry Belafonte, the keynote speaker of Saturdays' march " We need to deal with the terrorism of poverty, ignorance and oppression.." A shimmering Harry Belafonte began to speak to the rapt crowd, "the kind of money they are spending on this war means less money for schools, or health care" So there we walked - all colors, sizes and ages in step with justice - in step with peace - in step with solidarity - yes there we all walked... in Oakland |