Converging Movements
There are probably others, but here's a list compiled by some folks in Florida:
From Albuquerque, San Antonio, Houston and onward: the People’s Freedom Caravan – By bringing together indigenous nations, displaced peoples of New Orleans, migrant workers along the border, and youth and civil rights veterans in Mississippi, the People’s Freedom Caravan will break down the geographic, political, racial and cultural barriers that have been used to marginalize our communities. Starting in Albuquerque, the caravan will weave its way across the country, converging at cities to highlight local struggles for justice, share cultures and hold media events. The Caravan will arrive marching into Atlanta, where participants will be met by thousands of delegates at the first U.S. Social Forum. (See press release)
From New Orleans & the Gulf Coast – A committee of long-time organizers and activists from New Orleans and Southern Louisiana have been meeting and planning to participate in meaningful ways in the USSF. Working groups, cultural performers, organizers, young people, and artists will be on at least 2 buses with 200 people from the area and joining with the People’s Caravan. Contact Kimberley Richards:
kimberley.richards@att.net
From South Florida: 200 delegates After a major win in Miami on affordable housing, members are raising money to travel & participate. Farmworkers, Haitian youth, workers, and others will be joining the S. Florida delegation. Contact Cindy Wiesner at 305.759.8717 x 1005
From North Carolina: At least 2 buses from the Triangle area. The Southeast Social Forum in Durham gathered Southerners at the historic NC Central University. Workers, students, and community activists will join the nation at the first-ever USSF. Contact Theresa El-Amin at 919.403.8229 or Anne Wolfley at 919.360.0706.
From Kentucky: 2 buses of 100 folks from four organizations. Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, KY Jobs with Justice, Women in Transition, and the Latin American/Caribbean Association will roll from Louisville & Lexington. Contact Attica Scott - attica@kyjwj.org
From Jackson, MS, Birmingham, AL and the Delta: 200 women and young people are mobilized through the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative will be participating in the USSF. Contact Carolyn McKinstry at cmckinstry@bellsouth.net ALSO from Mississippi – 2 buses from the Mississippi Workers Center, the MS ACLU and others will be coming with delegates from all sectors.
From Tennessee – 50 young people from Chattanooga environmental justice summer program will be participating. Contact Debbie Perkins - (865) 712-3053 or dperkin1@utk.edu
From Chicago – 1.5 buses organized by Jobs with Justice
From New York City: A Childcare Caravan will travel the coast with mothers, fathers, children, families, and care providers. Contact Mayuram Tiruchelvam - 'mtiruchelvam@demos.org'
From Central Florida: Farmworkers Alliance in Florida is turning out 40 members & bringing workshops on working conditions and immigrant rights. Contact Jeannie Economos - 407-886-5151 or farmworkerassoc@aol.com
