On Saturday October 2nd, tens of thousands of energized people demanding jobs, education, and civil rights for ALL Americans gathered at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for the “One Nation Working Together” march and rally. The rally, which carried the message of putting America back to work, pulling America back together, and moving America forward, attracted people from all 50 states and over 400 diverse organizations focusing on a variety of issues such as immigration reform, demands for jobs and education, LGBTQ rights, and an end to war spending. Among some of the organizations present were AFL-CIO, NAACP, UAW, SEIU, International ANSWER, Farm Labor Organizing Committee, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and Jobs with Justice. “One Nation” organizers estimated that the rally drew a massive crowd of over 175,000 people.
A Buffalo Jobs with Justice Delegation was in attendance, along with several other organizations from Western New York including Citizen Action, United University Professions from UB, NYSUT, and American Federation of Teachers. The bus that held the Buffalo Jobs with Justice Delegation left from Buffalo on a cold and rainy Friday night at 11:00pm, transporting a cohort of 60 people. The Coalition for Economic was made up of a group of 30 strong, including several students from Buffalo State Students for Peace. Despite the weather, there was buzz and excitement in the air as individuals boarded the bus.
Although it was a long night of travelling, once the bus arrived at RFK Stadium parking lot everyone became energetic and excited for the day’s upcoming events. Before going to the main event, the Buffalo Jobs with Justice Delegation attended a pre-rally hosted by the IAM’s Union of Unemployed. Participants heard encouraging speeches by Communication Workers of America (CWA) President Larry Cohen, IAM President Tom Buffenbarger, and our national affiliate, Jobs with Justice Executive Director Sarita Gupta. These speakers spoke about the importance of job creation and of citizens voting on November 2nd to ensure their voices are heard. From speeches and chants, an energized crowd got on the metro to the National Mall.
Upon arrival, it was clear that there was a massive presence in Washington as thousands of demonstrators converged on the National Mall with signs stipulating “Full & Fair Employment for All” and “Money for Jobs and Education.” It was inspiring to see so many organizations joining together from many diverse backgrounds, demanding change in our nation. Although several organizations voiced different issues and presented different tactics to accomplish their missions, all of these organizations were able to unite under the call of “One Nation.” This was clearly a rich opportunity for activists from all over the country to build networks which will hopefully lead to some exciting collaborative work in the future.
More inspiring speakers waited for rally participants at the National Mall. Speakers included some heavy hitters from the civil rights movement such as Reverend Al Sharpton and Harry Belafonte, along with union organizers, like Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO. Student organizers committed to social justice, such as Colin Whited a deaf student activist, also offered motivational words about the state of education and the jobs crisis.
The following are some words that attendees found especially powerful from Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund and former advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King:
“Lesson six—almost done—remember that the Ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic was built by professionals. Use your citizen power, your vote, to wrest our ship of state from that small group of experts and powerful and greedy corporate pirates who recklessly jeopardized all of our lives for personal gain. Feel your own power. Use your own power. Don’t rely on experts.”
Marian Wright Edelman’s words convey an important message that the Buffalo Jobs with Justice Delegation carried back to Buffalo. In our own community, we need to be aware of the so-called “experts,” who are making decisions for us and without our input. Marian Wright Edelman’s words not only encourage questioning the role of these “experts”, but also challenge us to ask ourselves, “How can we use our power to change this and get our voices heard?” In a time when so many Americans feel powerless, when the state of the economy feels unmanageable, and when we are presented with so many unique problems in our own city, Marian Wright Edelman reminds us that as citizens we do hold the power to make change. These inspiring words, along with the rest of those who spoke, will hopefully resonate in the actions of those around the country as they return home and get back to work in their communities.
-Katie and Sarah, MSW Student Interns
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