"In 2011, protesters didn’t just voice their complaints; they changed the world." Read TIME’s cover story.
Uranus, the planet of innovation, unexpected breakthroughs, and societal transformation, under the alias of the "Protester", was awarded the title of "Time Magazine's 2011 Person of the Year". And in America no group better exemplifies the Uranus in Aries protester than the Occupy Movement protesters of 2011.
Congratulations, Occupy Atlanta Protesters
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
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When the comparatively small group of Occupy Atlanta protesters were evicted from their encampment in Woodruff Park in late October...they left the park peacefully...but they didn't give up. Instead they regrouped and in early November found an imaginative way to take on the 1% by camping out on the lawn of a Gwinnett County family in an attempt to save the family's home from foreclosure. Though this initial effort proved unsuccessful, lessons were learned.
After Occupying the court house steps of several Atlanta area county foreclosure auctions, the Atlanta occupiers used the lessons learned from the November home occupation when they occupied a home in Riverdale Georgia, and in mid-December had a real and tangible win. This time around the Occupy Atlanta protesters were successful in helping to save the home of an Iraq veteran from foreclosure. As one of the Occupy protesters explained; "Wins like these are going to be so important. We don't just want people to root for the symbolism of what we stand for. We want people to be empowered to save their own homes."
At the same time Occupy Atlanta protesters moved into the Riverdale property they also began occupying another home facing foreclosure in downtown Atlanta. As a matter of fact, most of Occupy Atlanta's people and resources were devoted to this property, which seemed to be in more immediate jeopardy. This left only a few Occupy protesters to defend the Riverdale property...but this handful of protesters was enough.
Within the past two weeks, this small group of protesters not only saved a home from foreclosure but also identified 15 abandoned properties, removed graffiti, encouraged a neighborhood watch program and stirred the passions of Riverdale Ga. residents. These residents have now begun an Occupy group of their own. The Occupy Riverdale protesters are addressing local issues such as juvenile crime and all those abandoned properties...including...the conversion of one of the properties into a community center.
Although there is little main stream news about Atlanta's Occupy group, their passion and emotion can inspire us all to Occupy something and make a difference in the lives of others.
Have Fun and Support Occupy Atlanta
Dec 29 @ Manuel's Tavern, Atlanta GA
Thursday, December 29, 2011
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
"And boy, do we have variety. Poetry, belly dancing, music, juggling…you name it. Plus a raffle. Prizes include art from the paintbrush of the talented Kimlee Davis, and more. Hosted by Art for the People."
Raffle tickets will be $5 in advance, included with $10 donation at the door. You need not be present to win. Proceeds will benefit the Occupy Atlanta Legal Fund. For more information visit occupyatlanta.org
Like our small group of Occupy Atlanta protesters, many if not most of the worldwide Occupy protesters are young adults who believe they can change a system which no longer works for the majority of the population. These young adults are well versed in the Internet, mobile technology and a social media and they are part of a peaceful revolution that is bringing important social and economic grievances to the streets, parks and social networking sites worldwide. Because of their the persistant and passionate call for equality and justice these protesters has been able to raise awareness about many important social disparities.
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