This is an installment of a continuing online photo essay documenting one of the largest, grassroots, people-powered movements in years. On Monday, May 1st, a couple friends of mine and I traveled to Chicago from Bloomington, IN, to witness the The Immigrant Worker Justice March, the Chicago section of the marches making up the national "Day Without an Immigrant." We documented our experience with photographs. The following are a few of those shots.
(click image to enlarge)There were several election-themed messages at the march, including several "Today, we march--Tomorrow, we vote" signs. But the most striking image was this one, of a young man, perhaps not yet in his twenties, marches solitarily, and holds a sign warning politicians "I'm a register[ed] Voter and I am Watching You." --And we should all be watching them, to see who listens and how.
Walking down the street, under a grey sky--it was cool, but not cold. Just warm enough to feel your own body heat pressing against the inside of your jacket. The street was empty, save the intermittent groups of six or ten people, walking down either side of the street--converging at each intersection, the groups forming a larger and larger whole, walking past the barricaded cross streets. Drum taps could be heard in the distance, while voices shouted into megaphones, all underneath the aggressive beat of helicopter blades in the sky. It wasn't hard to slip into an excited euphoria--like the feeling of going into battle.
This wasn't hostile territory, however--the atmosphere was electric: the combination of sight and sound, people shouting and laughing. This was an extremely well organized, grassroots gathering of 300,000 people, all with the same message:
Yes, we can. The positive energy was undeniable.
Part one can be seen here.
Cross Posted at Deny My Freedom, My Left Wing, The Gore Portal
(click image to enlarge)All along the march route people watched from their windows, some taking photographs, some waving flags in support, others just observing the spectacle of three hundred thousand men, women, and children passing before their doorstep. Notice the contrast between the observers stationary flag and those of the marchers.
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Several businesses and community centers were out showing their support, giving out water, meeting people. This church proudly displays a large sign saying "Yesterday's Immigrants Support Today's Immigrants--YOUR JOURNEY IS OUR JOURNEY."
(click image to enlarge)There were numerous media helicopters all along the route, taking shots for t.v. use. Here is one of them.
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Police presence was very moderate. They stood at intersections, making sure any befuddled commuters knew what was happening. This man stood watch as Chicago's famed Elevated Train rumbled down the tracks overhead, a small smile forming on his face every few moments as the joyous crowd marched by.
(click image to enlarge)Many people came out in support of the demonstration. --Some with antennas protruding from their skulls, spreading the voice of protest.
(click image to enlarge)Here is a man dressed in a combination of traditional South American clothing and a contemporary North American jacket and sneakers. He beat his drum and shouted to urge the crowd on. Passing in front of him, a woman shows her sign--"NO HUMAN BEING IS ILLEGAL"--to people watching from the base of surrounding buildings and sidestreets.
(click image to enlarge)There was a considerably mild police presence, organizing street traffic and monitoring larger intersections, largely reserved to inaction during the very well planned protest.
We hope to keep this Photo Essay going through a few subsequent posts over the next few days, containing numerous new pictures--especially if it is popular. So please let us know if you like it!
Images 1, 3, 5, and 7 taken by MadCasey
Images 2, 4, 6, and 8 taken by xelnein