From Earth First Journal
(also see video here.)
Report back from FTP Convergence Day of Action
from Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons
Over the weekend of June 11th an incredible array of folks gathered in Washington, DC for the Convergence to Fight Toxic Prisons anwd Support Eco-prisoners. After two days of networking, strategizing and listening to the wisdom of black liberation fighters like Ramona Africa and Jihad Abdulmumit as well as former eco-prisoners like Eric McDavid and Daniel McGowan – and so many more, folks hit the streets the morning of June 13th to raise some hell in the belly of the beast.
The Fight Toxic Prisons march got started bright and early to make sure that the prison pushers at the BOP did not get off to a good workday. Chanting “Burn prisons, not coal” and “Break the locks, no more cops!” about 50 people shut down the intersection in front of the BOP and blocked the entrance to their parking garage, preventing workers from getting in. After holding the space for an hour, and hearing some inspiring words from folks like Linda Shosie, a mother whose son is stuck inside a highly toxic prison, the march moved on to the Dept. of Justice and FBI headquarters which sit across the street from each other.
Once the march arrived, folks shut down a major intersection on Pennsylvania Ave between the two buildings and held the space while making some noise for all those locked behind bars. Spirits were high and the march was able to disperse without any arrests.
Participants hope this small, but disruptive public action will inspire others to get out in the streets for future June 11 solidarity actions as well as build momentum to stop the BOP’s plans for two new prisons in Letcher County, KY and Thomson, IL; and build momentum for the national prisoners strike on September 9. Onwards!