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Tallahassee Stands with Baltimore for May Day 2015

By Zachary Schultz

Tallahassee, FL – On May 1, over 30 students and community members gathered in downtown Tallahassee for a march in solidarity with the people of Baltimore for International Workers Day. The march was called by the Black Liberation Action Coordinating Committee (BLACC), Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Transgender Liberation Front (TLF). The protesters demanded justice for the murder of Freddie Grey, Jeremy Lett, Mya Hall and all other victims of police brutality.

“Black existence is revolutionary. Every inch you take up is space that is not occupied by white oppressors. Freddie Grey deserved to exist. This protest will bring more awareness of the genocide that is being committed against Black and brown people,” said Ellena Fisher, a member of BLACC.

The protesters took to the streets and blocked traffic, chanting: “Can’t stop, won’t stop, ‘til killer cops are in cell blocks,” and “All night, all day, we will fight for Freddie Grey”, in addition to other chants on their way downtown. They held signs reading “Jail killer cops” and “From Baltimore to Palestine, occupation is a crime.” Then, they marched to the state capitol building where several people gave speeches about the protests in Baltimore and police brutality. They also spoke about May Day and workers’ struggles, connecting the struggle for workers’ rights to the struggle for Black rights and the struggles of oppressed peoples worldwide.

“It’s important that we’re out on the streets and that we’re organized. When the Black masses assemble, the bourgeoisie tremble,” said Regina Joseph, lead organizer of the Black Liberation Action Coordinating Committee.

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