This Wednesday, we had an unbelievable OYC event in the heart of North Park, on the corners at 30th and University. Occupier Jari and I made our way down at 5:00 with our giant cardboard signs. We were met soon after by Occupier Louise, who came and met us with a big smile and informed me that my sign was upside down (thanks Louise!). Occupiers Susan and Anoki followed shortly after that. Once we had reached our “quorum” of four occupiers (plus one) we started to engage the 99% of North Park.
From the very get-go, we received such a amazing positive response from cars passing by. As we waved and smiled, showing our signs about corporate greed, ditching our banks, and reaffirming that the people will no longer be ignored, cars honked with enthusiasm and our love was very much returned by the North Parkians passing by.
Occupiers Mari, Linda, Jason, and Holly tricked in through the next half hour, and our own Paul Revere of the Occupy Riders, Nexus, came down on his bicycle donning the giant orange flag with bold letters OCCUPY. Before we knew it, we had a massive crew of 11 energetic Occupiers holding down the corners for 2 hours.
Some highlights of the night:
Louise, donning the V mask, kept a funk beat going on her cowbell for a good portion of the time and brought a real nice positive energy to keep us all going strong and our feet dancing.
Occupier Susan reported that one woman drove by chanting happily… “We are the 99%! We are the 99%!”
Occupier Linda reported getting many smiles and honks!
We recruited a local man named Dwayne (or Ray?). He joined us enthusiastically with us and he even took home a “People Before Profit” sign so he can continue to Occupy Corners wherever he goes. It was awesome to see another member of the community Occupying with us!
Without the scrutiny of other officers, a patrol car passing by us let out a loud honk in support of us as we were wrapping up. Can you believe that?? I had a feeling that some of the police in this town support what we are doing J solidarity!nd waves, which I think we all experienced in high volume J
To cap it all off, a few of us at some delicious Mexican food at Ranchos, where we shared some laughs and good conversation.
All in all it was an amazing occupation. I think that was the most support and positivity I have received in any aspect of my Occupy experience thus far (and only one person flipped me off!). We will definitely be back Occupying corners in North Park soon!
Occupy!
WOSD - The Occupellas
