DAY OF SUCCESS – Op Ed Piece

(NOTE: I am posting this because we have yet to post all that we accomplished today. And since that was a lot, I feel the people that participated should be proud and those that want to know should be informed.  So here is a piece I wrote tonight in the meantime detailing today’s actions. Feel free to move this once we have added more media and/or a press release.)

Today, November 17th, was recognized across this country as a national day of action. Accordingly, Occupy movements throughout the nation, from Los Angeles to New York, Seattle to Tampa, organized, rallied, and took back their streets.

Here in Atlanta, we’re no different. Though we do not yet command the numbers of a place like Occupy Wall Street, our spirit is fierce and our core people are dedicated — literally working 24/7 for the movement.

So we had to step up, too. With clandestine actions targeting Wells Fargo, we began. Flooding into the banks, Occupiers quickly “mic check”ed and told the truth about the bank. A bank which has not only taken billions in tax payer dollars without paying it back, but intentionally defrauded customers of their hard-earned cash with software fee trickery. In less than 5 minutes, the Occupiers disappeared, leaving those still in the bank asking questions — exactly as we wanted.

In solidarity with other Occupations across the U.S., Occupy Atlanta decided to take back a bridge — by holding a Block Party! The Courtland St Bridge, in the heart of the Georgia State University campus, was awash with streamers, flyers, dancers, drummers. Within 15 minutes, however, the police arrived to stop the people’s fun. Despite moving to the sidewalk per police orders, several Occupiers were targeted, physically yanked off the sidewalk, cuffed, and taken to jail.

However, that did not deter our spirit, nor the spirit of students, who began amassing for an impromptu soap-box. Reassembling in the courtyard, student after student spoke out wiith passion about their hopes and wishes, and the devastation they have felt knowing their future — with a mound of student debt, record unemployment, and a lack of jobs — is no longer looking bright. Despite the grim reality we face, these students raised their voices, began real discussions, laughed and joked. Many joined us as we marched on the capitol, much to the delight of us more seasoned Occupiers.

Please see videos of some of the students at our Media Committee’s YouTube page:  http://www.youtube.com/user/occupyatlmedia

You’d think after all that commotion we’d be done. Nope. Our day and work continued as the sun set. We mobilized and reconvened a contingent of Occupiers across town, and in solidarity with workers across the world, we marched in to the home-grown, union-busting Home Depot. Simultaneously, we covertly assembled a task force at a nearby Verizon store, whose corporate office is attempting to slash benefits of tens of thousands of their workers. Drawing attention to their plight, local union members and Occupiers joined together and told it like it is.

And all this before 7 PM!

Today was a day of accomplishment and celebration. With only a small but dedicated Occupation, we carried the fight on several fronts, in several sectors of the city and to several sectors of the population.

Today was a day of forging new friendships and alliances — with students as well as workers. Personally, I am extremely proud! Especially of the GSU students, who, despite never having had spoke at Occupy Atlanta before, let their voices fly with such intensity and thoughtfulness that it inspired many of us Occupiers!

Today was a day of opening a dialogue with each other, and addressing a serious concern:
Our future is now. And where do we go from here?

(P.S. All those arrested today have made bond and have been released!)