How the Troops Out Now rally rocked!
By
U-Savior
and
Nana Soul
Published Oct 4, 2007 2:00 AM
Larry Holmes, Dani Gale, Nana Soul and Pam Parker at D.C. Sept. 29 rally.
WW photo: Liz Green
|
If polls showed the average person saying that the traditional
protest—complete with marches, placards, chants and permits—no
longer has a potent effect on an apathetic government and that bureaucrats
simply bide their time until the rabid moon bats that have descended upon their
provinces return to the trailer parks, projects, flooded wards and
mortar-ravaged ghettos that they came from, most activists would be hard
pressed to prove them wrong.
But on Sept. 22, something magical began to happen.
The Troops Out Now Coalition began a weeklong Encampment in front of the
reflecting pool at the Capitol building. In contrast to the one it held last
March, the Encampment would be infused with music. Unlike every other
demonstration that took place this year, culture would not simply be a careless
afterthought, but rather would provide the fuel needed to draw thousands of
people to the demonstration.
Each day, activists spread through the neighborhood, engaging the community,
and each night the Encampment grounds sprouted more tents and music filled the
hearts of everyone who heard it.
From punk rock to poetry to hip hop, the Troops Out Now Coalition rocked the
rulers—hence the name of the weeklong concert, reminiscent of Woodstock
minus the psychedelic mushrooms (in most cases).
On Sept. 29, a rally featuring dozens of speakers from across the world
addressed several issues, including the right to return for Palestinians and
Katrina survivors alike, freedom for political prisoners, the need for health
care, housing, better education, an end to the war in Iraq and a halt of plans
of impending conquest in Iran, women’s rights, police brutality and
more.
Punctuated by live music performances, the gathering alternated between lulling
people and firing them up. By 2 p.m. thousands were ready to march on
Washington. But the people didn’t walk alone. Thanks to a sound truck
that cranked out not only chants and slogans, but anti war anthems like
“War” by Edwin Starr and “I’m Black and I’m
Proud” by James Brown, marchers couldn’t help but dance their way
down the route.
What resulted was a parade with fire, an energetic display of dissent and
culture that had people who observed it hanging from their windows waving and
cheering and passing cars blaring horns in solidarity. In the front holding the
lead banner were elders, youth, whites, Blacks, Latin@s, women and men. On the
sidelines women went shirtless, hefting signs that said “Breasts Not
Bombs!” When the throng snaked its way around a construction site, labor
activists immediately began to flier and converse with the workers. And when
those in front made a turn and caught sight of the tail end of the march,
complete with a bus proclaiming “Iraq Veterans Against the War,”
they were sent into a triumphant frenzy. The sound was deafening, empowering
and mighty.
But none of this would compare to the moment when the march reached an
underpass close to Third Street and Constitution Avenue. Taking advantage of
the natural echo, the protestors began to bellow, letting loose all the rage
and frustration against the inept and corrupt U.S. government. They mourned
dead soldiers, Iraqi civilians and victims of police brutality and FEMA. They
celebrated their own courage and the love with which they championed the
people’s rights.
Something spread through the crowd then, something that can never be explained.
Whatever it was, it was beautiful and it called for action. And so, hundreds of
youth tore away from the procession and commandeered a stretch of road and
blocked city traffic claiming it in the name of Freedom for several hours. The
more experienced activists responded by making sure they had food, water and
legal representation.
Those who attended witnessed an important piece of history, where the gaps
between the old and young were bridged, where all colors spoke in the same
voice, danced to the same rhythms and carried the same banner.
Black Power! Revolution, then peace!
Power to the people!
The writers are artists and activists with Black Waxx
Recordings.
Articles copyright 1995-2012 Workers World.
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium without royalty provided this notice is preserved.
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