The Revival in Philly (US Social Forum)

Latest

Hip hop duo Rebel Diaz with Alex Suarez (middle) at the U.S. Social Forum in Philadelphia, PA. PHOTO/DONATED
Hip hop duo Rebel Diaz with Alex Suarez (middle) at the U.S. Social Forum in Philadelphia, PA.
PHOTO/DONATED

TAMPA, FL —Meeting with Immortal Technique, and Rebel Diaz, may have been the highlight of a trip I took from Florida to Philadelphia to be at this summer’s US Social Forum, however my encounter with them was brief. When you meet them, you see they are activists just like you. I met many extraordinary people from all over the world fighting in the same struggle for the same cause as me. These comrades came to the US Social Forum to continue in their activism to bring radical change. I saw the revival of activism come out in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, where the Declaration of Independence was written.
Cheri Honkala lives in Philly and helped revive the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign, started by Dr. King. Temple University hosted the forum. Cheri led the march, along with homeless and poor people, especially people of color. Cheri told us the case of the 14-year-old boy dying of cancer who the Emergency Assistance people in downtown Philly refused to house. They and others have not housed a single family in five years, as they continue to hoard tax dollars and corruption continues. That is why from North Philly we marched to their office downtown to protest that families are dying on the street or sent to the church Cheri helps runs in Kensington, PA, where she is overwhelmed.
About 500 of us marched—there would have been more if not for the rain—to Emergency Services. It was like God was testing our resolve, as literally when we arrived, the rain increased. In the front part of the protest were children and people on wheelchairs, both speaking into the loud speaker for us to move on and what we were fighting for, starting various chants, my favorite being, “The People United Will Never Be Defeated!”
While I marched, I thought of all those who died too young, and left behind their legacy for us to fight for. I thought of Anne Frank, of my comrade Marty Droll, and of my sister Tasha Suarez. I thought how this vanguard, the downtrodden of society, could come together and make the impossible possible.
The theme for the Social Forum was “Another World Is Possible,” which was a common chant in Occupy. I think not only is another world possible or probable but inevitable. We can be the change for the very survival of the human species, so that all the sacrifices before us are not in vain and our children and grandchildren can live in a better society. They deserve better. I fight for the future of my niece and all the unborn children, as we dream for a new society and make this dream a reality.
The original, longer version of this article is posted on Facebook.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

More from the People's Tribune