From the Forum to the Streets
Detroit: On Friday June 25th, a couple of protests took place at the U.S. Social Forum. The larger of these protests, focused on the financial giant J.P. Morgan Chase, was organized by the Bail Out the People Movement. Several hundred protesters comprised of community activists, organizers, religious leaders and union representatives were on hand to voice their grievances with Chase for taking a government-sponsored bailout while continuing to foreclose on properties around the country.
Sandra Hines, a long time Detroit resident and Social Worker by trade, spoke of how elected officials ignore the cries for help coming from the community. Ms. Hines has been unemployed for several years and now volunteers as a community organizer and activist. She expressed skepticism when a smaller group went inside to meet with Chase executives.
"Whenever a group goes into a meeting like that, nothing ever becomes of the promises made."
For her a more effective strategy would include greater turnout at these protests, more city residents in foreclosure standing together on Chase's doorstep voicing their collective dissatisfaction with the bank.
Ms. Hines spoke passionately to the crowd expressing her love for the city while at the same time clearly delivering the message that the city needs jobs.
The protest ended when the smaller group that had entered to talk with Chase staff emerged saying Chase promised to bring the protesters' concerns to high-level management within the bank.
A spontaneous protest by the Southwest Farm Workers and other immigrants rights groups broke out about 12:15pm in the main lobby of Cobo Hall, site of the US Social Forum.
The protest was called in response to a rumor that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, had arrested a Mexican immigrant at the Canadian border. The rumor was not entirely accurate -- the young man, who was questioned by border patrol on Wednesday evening, and asked for his documents, was eventually released.
Protesters used the occasion of the mass gathering to speak out against Arizona SB1070, a law that many have assailed for its severe immigration provisions. Under the law police can detain individuals they reasonably suspect are without authority to be in the country.
Rob Robinson is the Outreach Coordinator for the CNPI program of People's Production House.
