Miami’s People, United, Will Never Be Defeated

Yesterday, January 25th, Miami witnessed an energetic uprising of community residents and workers who have, for too long, felt locked out of economic and political corridors in Miami. Not historically known for its sustained and potent protests against income inequality, the streets of Miami were flooded with folks chanting slogans demanding economic justice for the 99%: “Pay your fair share!” “Banks got bailed out, we got sold out!” Perhaps the most potent message that the protestors exclaimed was “The people, united, will never be defeated!” This slogan, in particular, encapsulated the excitement of 1Miami’s potential to help alter the political landscape in Miami. Haitians, African-Americans, Whites, Asians, and Latinos (including Cubans, Central Americans, and South Americans) joined together, linked arms in solidarity, and committed themselves to work together against all odds against their common foe: economic inequality caused by the 1%.

The event kicked off at Bethel AME Church in historic Overtown with a number of riveting speechs from faith leaders, workers, one miami members, and union representatives. This was followed by a solmen reflection and prayer that brought together Christians, Jews, and Muslims committed to one miami, united against economic injustice. When the march kicked off, the excitement was palpable not just in the slogans but in the person-to-person conversations that percolated as residents marched through downtown, stopped to protest Wells Fargo Bank, and headed straight to the financial jugular vein of downtown, the Southeast Financial Center (whose premises became the focal rallying point). The rally was concluded by an interfaith prayer by a pastor from the Coral Gables Congregational Church and residents were called upon to remain unified and to continue to organize.

At the end of the rally, protest attendees signed the Miami “We Stand for Good Jobs” Pledge, which called upon the downtown corporations and banks to pay their fair share and to commit the community to continue to fight harder for family-sustaining wages and good jobs that will lay a solid foundation for social, political, and economic mobility for all Miamians.

As Miamians pledge themselves to continue to struggle for human dignity, everyone was reminded by the great words of Martin Luther King, who struggled not only for civil rights but for economic justice for all Americans. “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” As we continue to march forward with more actions to demand accountability from corporations and banks, we remain vigiliant and critical of politicians who claim to “represent” us yet continue to advance only injustice with painstaking excellence. 1 percenters’ attempts to succeed at ensuring our failure will continue to be called out. Stay tuned for upcoming actions!