09/05/2019
[FULL DISCLOSURE: The author is a member of DSA BloNo]
“All power to the working class.”
“Black Lives Matter.”
“Ain’t no power like the power of the people cause the power of the people don’t stop.”
These are just some of the chanting heard at the Bloomington Labor Day parade from the Bloomington-Normal chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA BloNo). A diverse group of over 30 activists revealed their presence at the end of summer march. What a beautiful day it was to be among the people. Whether black, white, brown, Asian, or otherwise, this intrepid group of both young and old made sure the working class of Bloomington knew who was willing to support them.
Supporting the people’s healthcare needs by advocating and implementing Medicare 4 All. Fighting for humanity’s natural right to migrate by welcoming all immigrants into our community. Fighting for the freedom for all humans to have the opportunity to develop their full potential without the alienating features of wealth inequality, profit over people, rabid competition for competition’s sake and the brutality & violence that accompanies state protection of capital.
Beating and drumming, BloNo DSA hoped to connect the masses to the historically militant roots underlying the celebration of labor in this country. It’s no understatement to say thousands and thousands of workers were tortured, oppressed, and murdered by both capitalist and state forces because of their struggle for worker’s control over society. Drumming were Trevor R & Stefen R accompanied by Dana N showing off her flag waving skills.
DSA gave free, socialist candy to all the children (and children-at-heart) along the parade routes. Among the merry band of workers marching were Bloomington City Council members Jen Carrillo and Jeff Crabill who proudly carried the red flag of the working people symbolizing the group as pro-worker, pro-democracy, and profoundly anti-racist and anti-fascist.
DSA BloNo stands on the principles of democratic (for the people and of the people) socialism (control over government, the means of production, and natural resources). They organize on a variety of issues including Medicare 4 All, a welcoming environment for immigrants, the liberation of black lives, stronger tenant rights and more laws protecting workers, among others.
“DSA envisions a humane social order based on popular control of resources, production, and economic planning, equitable distribution, gender, racial, and all other forms of equality, and non-oppressive relationships.”
From the BloNo DSA website:
To learn more about this organization fighting for the rights of all peoples, see their website, Facebook, Twitter, or send them an email @ blonodsa@gmail.com.
