Whose Street? Our Street. The Occupy Middlebury March

As a follow up to our previous post, here are some videos, pictures, and comments from the Occupy Middlebury March today.

Student activists began by gathering at the library while spectators observed from nearby Adirondack chairs.  After describing the message and importance of the Occupy Wall Street movement, Hanna Mahon ’13.5 then emphasized Middlebury’s history of political participation and activism.  ”We stand here to prove that the Middlebury community still has a political conscience,” said Mahon.

After rousing speeches from three student leaders, the March began up Storrs Walk toward Hillcrest.  Chants from the group rang out through campus and passing students stopped and stared.  There was even one critic who boo’ed at the crowd.  The response…”We love you”.

The march ended at Hillcrest to integrate into the discussion with Vermont migrant workers Danilo and Antonio because they represent another dimension of the 99% who are victims of social injustice at the hands of the system which favors the rich corporations at the expense of the disadvantaged.

Tomorrow, there is a panel discussion led in the RAJ at 12:15 to discuss the movement and put today’s march in perspective.  Professors as well as students who participated in protests in New York will ofter a general overview of the movement and then hopefully facilitate a meaningful dialogue about the importance and future of the Occupy Wall Street movement.