(Cross posted at innermostparts.org)
“It’s hard to talk about history, when you’re in it…”
This was easily one of the most profound messages I took away from a recent talk by Angus Johnston, a professor at CUNY and historian of student activism. Speaking to an audience of student organizers from across the US this past Saturday, Johnston explained that the history of student movements that he studies is being written constantly, every day, with the incredible work of youth activists all over the US and all over the world. He sees the movement with the birds-eye view of both a former student organizer and current author of the blog studentactivism.net.
Tomorrow is March 4th. And history is being written.
March 4th has been designated a National Day of Action to Defend Education by student and worker organizations in California and other states. Well over 100 different actions are planned across the country in over 32 states, raising awareness and acting to defend the interests of workers and students from increasing privatization of education and rising tuition.
Here is a map of actions planned for March 4th, be sure to click on the pins for more information about each action. It is the work of Angus Johnston:
View in a larger map
This is an excerpt from the original call for action:
"The politicians and administrators say there is no money for education and social services. They say that “there is no alternative” to the cuts. But if there’s money for wars, bank bailouts, and prisons, why is there no money for public education? We can beat back the cuts if we unite students, workers, and teachers across all sectors of public education — Pre K-12, adult education, community colleges, and state-funded universities. We appeal to the leaders of the trade union movement to support and organize strikes and/or mass actions on March 4. The weight of workers and students united in strikes and mobilizations would shift the balance of forces entirely against the current agenda of cuts and make victory possible."(1)
Here’s to a more powerful, diverse, participatory, connected and GROWING left movement. And to history in the making. Cheers.
(1) http://www.defendeducation.org/
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