Jane Morba of Cohort F submitted the following story for The CLIC. Thanks, Jane!
I was following WBAI.org radio station to keep up with the OWS cause that particular morning to know the where about to meet. I felt part of the 99% and sympathetic to all the issues at hand. I also had a chat with Riane during my Cohert session, she mentioned go and be seen, let the energy come towards you and dialogue about the main issues. My team leaders were also very helpful. I have felt determined to go in, sign or no sign, although we discussed a sign.
As a photographer, I brought my still & video camera to the event and was very prepared. I needed all my hands. Coming in from NJ, I planned to walk down and meet the group at the steps of Goldman Sachs to protest and document. I tried to get someone to come with me but plans fell through so I went alone. Arriving to the sounds of drums I knew I found the group. I walked in and immediately felt at home, I focused
on documenting as much as possible. Video, camera, It was a strong group, all ages empowering each other to stand strong. I thought there were about 100 people, it was the People vs. Goldman Sachs trial and march.
13 people sat in front of GS and held the protest & energy, everybody was chanting, I filmed away, got so close a women cop yelled to me back off, I thought I am in it now, it felt good. Chris Hedges and 12 others were arrested, I respect all of them so much and people were chanting ʻthank youʼ to each and everyone being taken away by the police.
We continued chanting and then a call & response was sent to everybody to walk back to Liberty Park, to assist those arrested. We continued on and I chanted. This is what democracy looks like with the group, photographing away. I never felt so connected to a cause and group of mindful folks. Drums were leading the pack, I documented front and back, it was incredible, returning 6 long blocks, shadowed by cops on motorcycles, so many people were watching or documenting and putting out there voices. I was empowered
knowing I was doing such the right thing, Interesting, one guys said to me always to careful there can be traps like on the brooklyn bridge when a net was thrown and arrested people, it was serious and no joke, I appreciated the advise. Back to camp, I was blown away by the massiveness of the group, rows of tents,
people everywhere, organized, visiting from all over, signs, and expressions. Someone asked me where I was from and I said NJ, this guy said he was a history professor from Virginia and said his students were very excited. I interviewed him what a caring economics looks like, he was clearly articulate and I shared flyers of the partnership way.
We had a positive exchange and he said all OWS camps are stronger right now. I will piece my video all together. I felt so connected, so strengthened by the numbers and narratives in NYC, I believe that working with the ʻCaring Economicsʼ & Partnership way for a sane world where caring for families will benefit everybody, that is clearly what any sane person would believe. It is said over and over, there is such insanity at banks like Goldman and so glad I was there that day.
- Jane Morba, Cohort F
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