Community of color issues addressed at RNC protests

n both the first and the last day of the Republican National Convention, people took to the streets by the thousands to demand that issues facing communities of color and other disenfranchised groups be addressed. Some were seasoned activists and others were first-time protestors.

On Monday, August 30^th, while conference delegates gathered at Madison Square Garden to open their conference, members of the Still We Rise Coalition assembled their forces at Union Square Park. Displaying signs and banners that emphasized their issues – like "Housing Is a Right, Not a Privilege" and "War on Immigrants = War on Us" - they marched to the Garden where they held a rally.

Members of the Still We Rise Coalition, which is comprised of over 35 non-profit organizations working in low-income communities throughout the City, raised many crucial issues. They spoke of the need for access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, living wage jobs and income supports. They voiced their opposition to policies that fuel and criminalize poverty, decrease federal spending for vital human services, violate people’s basic human and civil rights, and mandate the detention and deportation of immigrants.

"Our demands are clear," stated Jean Rice of Picture the Homeless. "We want policies that protect our human rights and help us strengthen our communities. We plan to hold our government officials accountable for the policies they endorse."

Following on the heels of that protest was a massive non-violent March for Our Lives – Stop the War at Home, organized by the Poor People’s Economic and Human Rights Campaign. Their rally was held in front of the United Nations to highlight the fact that international intervention is needed to expose the human rights violations taking place right here in the United States.

The poor, the homeless, the unemployed and uninsured from across this country, along with members of the clergy, artists and representatives of the poor from around the world all spoke out, focusing attention on their issues. One speaker stated, "This country has a housing program: it’s called jail. We have a jobs program: it’s called the military."

As the day faded into evening, the protestors stepped into the street for a peaceful march to Madison Square Garden. Led by people in wheelchairs and on crutches, followed by children and the elderly, veterans, immigrants, and poor and homeless people from around the nation, the march stretched for blocks as it made its way to Madison Square Garden.

The last day of the convention saw Black and community of color concerns addressed in a community of color – Harlem, USA. This historic march and rally, sponsored by the Artists and Activists United for Peace Coalition, kicked off at the Harlem State Office Building on 125^th Street. Soon chants filled the air – "Whose streets? Our streets!" "Money for Jobs and Education - Not for War and Occupation!"

When the marchers reached their destination at 151^st Street and Macombs Place, some very powerful speakers and entertainers took the stage. As always, Council Member and Mayoral candidate Charles Barron was right on time in his comments. Pointing to a gutted, abandoned building directly across from the stage, he declared, "We don’t need flowery convention speeches. We need programs to rebuild the infrastructure of the inner city."

Among the other speakers were Chuck D of Public Enemy, Nellie Bailey, head of the Harlem Tenants Council, Larry Holmes for International ANSWER, Brenda Stokely of AFSCME District Council 1707 and Ajamu Sankofa from N’COBRA. There were also terrific performances by Camille Yarbrough, Nana Soul, Kyle Jason, Soundproof, the Edwin Vazquez Band and the rapper Spiritchild, as well as by up and coming spoken word artists Kahlil Johnson and Tylibah. Artwork by Seth Tobecman, A Charles and Meres also graced the event.

Read Donna's Last Column