On Thursday, October 6th, 2011, tents were pitched around Philadelphia’s city hall. Citizens carried signs, formed drum circles, made art, organized a dinner for the homeless, banded together and talked about the future of democracy. These events heralded the first day of the Occupy Philadelphia protest, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street protest that began a few weeks ago. Philadelphia’s own movement began to coalesce only a few days after New York protesters claimed Wall Street. Weeks of planning and two formal planning meetings at last brought about impressive results; a successful march to City Hall at 9 A.M. this morning, two meetings of the General Assembly that–while time-consuming (and “grueling” in the words of at least one speaker)–were nothing short of democracy in action.
This blog will bring you news from the site. In particular, we’ll be reporting on the people involved with Occupy Philadelphia–the protesters, their stories, who they are and what this movement means to them. Stay tuned! Sound files, high-res photographs, and *possibly* video to accompany all future posts.
Goodnight, and congratulations all on a productive and inspiring first day.
Julia Rose Roberts
occupyphillyvoices 