Reflecting the US Social Forum
Activists and artists, grassroots community organizations and unions, farmworkers, immigrants, senior citizens and youth, from the U.S. and around the world--altogether 20,000 people, gathered at the convention center in downtown Detroit, June 22-26 for the historic 2nd U.S. Social Forum. It started with a rousing march of 10,000 through the city--and we represented Picture the Homeless with our banners, chants, and New York City spirit!
Here's a couple links to on-the-spot documentation of our participation:
Over the next few days, the forum held a thousand workshops. The workshops were organized to share ideas and experiences, to network and organize, to build a movement. We talked about strategies and solutions to social issues including truly-affordable housing and the lack thereof, homelessness in shelters and on the street, the evictions and foreclosures that are creating many more homeless, cuts in vital services, including education, healthcare, ecology, jobs, peace, and civil and human rights.
The days of the forum also featured a handful of protests rooted in local Detroit struggles. Detroit is at the epicenter of the economic crisis in the United States, due to decades of policies of disempowerment, exploitation, and racism. I was astounded at the number of boarded-up homes sitting empty, while the city apparently has a large homeless population.
The solidarity and feeling of camaraderie with humanity was prevalent. I felt part of the solution, something much bigger than myself, alongside positive, like-minded sisters and brothers who want to bring about necessary and true and positive permanent change. I had goosebumps from one workshop to the next. I now have real hope for the future of this country and the world--especially for our children and generations to come.
This U.S. Social Forum sets the stage for us for next year's World Social Forum being held on the African continent, in Senegal.
Sophia Bryant is a member of Picture the Homeless, a North Star Fund grantee since 2001.
