MEDIA ROOTS- Yesterday I went out to cover the first day of Occupy Oakland at Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown. Despite the thick mud and slick rain, there was a solid crowd of about 300 people buzzing with energy and lively discussion. Grievances were expelled by chanting and marching together, all with passionate determination.

Those of us who shared the evening together put our differences aside to stand upon one common thread– the system has failed us, and we demand representation. We were participating in something bigger than ourselves, and it was beautiful to witness the movement coalesce in my own backyard. It’s nothing short of thrilling to see people spilling out in the streets demanding real change, and I can’t wait to see where this leads.

Writing and Photography by Abby Martin