We Shall Overcome.

"Within the last few moments I have come to the realization that all I want is to fit in somewhere. Or more importantly, to be surrounded by friends that feel the same way, united by the common bond of feeling like outcasts. I think that is the reasoning surrounding my draw to New York City. I yearn to be in the company of artistic and creative-minded individuals that are ostracized by society."

I think I've found that place.

On Saturday, September 17th, I made my way down to Wall Street in hopes of getting some amazing photographs and marching for justice. I had no idea that it would consume me and become my life, but I am forever grateful for the change. I ended up sleeping in the park that night with fellow Occupiers and I have yet to miss a day. And as of tomorrow, I will be leaving the comfort of a roof over my head and an available shower in order to find permanent residence at Zuccotti Park aka Liberty Plaza. With a pay rate of $7.75/hr at Barnes & Noble, it is impossible for me to pay my bills AND rent, so after some deliberation, I decided to take the opportunity to pay everything that I owe and rent a storage facility for my belongings. If nothing else, it will make for an amazing story to tell in years to come.

I have had ups and downs here. I have met new people and lost friends back home who either do not understand or just disagree with what I'm doing. But losing friends is nothing new to me, and although it doesn't make the pain any less, I know that what I'm doing will change America, and to me, that's worth it. Occupy Wall Street has already sparked other occupations in Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, Tampa, Orlando, and many other cities nationwide. We hold general assemblies twice a day to discuss our agendas and concerns, as well as working groups, such as medical, legal, sanitation, food, outreach, and many others. We hold opening and closing marches on Wall Street and major marches on Saturday afternoons. Last week we had over 2,000 people join us as we took over the streets of Lower Manhattan, of which 85-100 were arrested, most being released without charges.

It has been a whirlwind two weeks. I have met Lupe Fiasco, Immortal Technique, Cornel West, and last night Michael Moore stopped by to do a live broadcast from Occupy Wall Street. Susan Sarandon also came through and more celebrities are starting to back us and get us more media coverage. It took three days before a single media outlet would even cover us, and five to six days before we received national media coverage, thanks to the always-amazing Keith Olbermann.

I will continue to keep everyone aware of what's going on at Broadway and Liberty and if you feel so compelled, JOIN US! I will be honored to meet you at either JFK or LaGuardia and show you around.

WE ARE THE 99%!
ALL DAY, ALL WEEK, OCCUPY WALL STREET!
ALL WEEK, ALL YEAR, WE'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!
HOW DO WE FIX OUR DEFICIT? END THE WAR AND TAX THE RICH!
WE GOT SOLD OUT, BANKS GOT BAILED OUT!

Dez & Lupe Fiasco

Dez & Immortal Technique

Dr. Cornel West