OccupyDC to Take Over Freedom Plaza This Week

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The OccupyWallStreet movement has arrived in DC. The decentralized protest against corporate power grabbed international attention over the weekend when 700 marchers were arrested in New York City and has rapidly spread across the country, landing in McPherson Square Sunday as OccupyDC. The labor movement and other local activists are getting involved and met with OccupyDC and October2011 Monday to coordinate actions this week. Plans are developing rapidly, but here’s what’s known as of presstime Monday night:
Wednesday, October 5, 12 noon: Jobs Not Cuts March on the US Capitol
Join working people, the unemployed, and activists to tell Congress: STOP the job-killing budget cuts; TAKE bold action now to put Americans back to work; RESTORE the American Dream for working people.
Location: House Triangle: SW side of the U.S. Capitol, directly North of the Cannon House Office Building & Independence Ave., SE, between New Jersey Ave. SE and 1st St. SE.
Wednesday, October 5, 6P: Let's Get This Revolution Started!
Kickoff event on the eve of a 4-day occupation of Freedom Plaza/DC. “Listen to awesome peace troubadour David Rovics, meet and greet other activists, get up-to-date info from the organizers, and get inspired for the exciting days ahead. This event will feature live music, speakers and spoken word performances, along with a ‘best sign’ and ‘best chant’ contest with prizes for the winners!” reports event co-sponsor Code Pink.
Location: Busboys & Poets; 1025 5th Street, NW
Thursday, October 6: 9a: Freedom Plaza Occupation Begins
“Thousands of concerned Americans will assemble in Freedom Plaza to take control of our country and our lives,” say organizers. “We will occupy the plaza and hold a People's Assembly where we come up with just and sustainable solutions to the crises we face and demand that these solutions be presented and that the people's needs be addressed. Planned events on Thursday include a noon program and then a march to the Chamber of Commerce and K Street starting at 3p.
Location: 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
As additional events are planned and information becomes available, we’ll keep you updated via Union City and our website
top photo by Carwil Bjork-James, courtesy of The Atlantic