200-300 anti-war demonstrators marched through Gainesville, FL the second
time this week. Much support was given by passing motorists. Much energy
was felt throughout the march. Following the march was a rally held at
the Downtown Plaza. The march and rally were organized by Islam on
Campus, Colors of Resistance, the Community Coalition Against War and
Terrorism. After the rally, a teach-in was held on the social and
economic costs of war on Alachua County (the County which Gainesville is
a part of). It was an emotional, energetic, event with a panel of 4
African-American women: Congressperson Cynthia McKinney, Zohorah Simmons
(former Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee member and professor
at the University of Florida), Patricia Hill-Nunn, and another woman who
I can't recall her name. The march, rally, and teach-in brought together
anti-war forces in Gainesville - a necessary step in building a powerful
movement, but has still failed to bring out the general public. The
movement continues here though. And we're inspired by the movements
elsewhere around the globe!
Check out this article in the Gainesville Sun (a paper owned by the New
York Times - so be aware) about the demo:
http://www.gainesvillesun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Site=GS&Date=20030323&Category=LOCAL&ArtNo=303230011&Ref=AR
