On Monday, 10 people were arrested including two UCC pastors in the fifth week of the Poor People’s Campaign actions. They were arrested after overstaying their welcome in the Executive Council chambers holding a “People’s Public Hearing.”
What is that? A People’s Public Hearing was an event put together by Campaign participants modeled after our own legislative hearings. Individuals were freely able to come and testify about their personal experiences of living in poverty in New Hampshire. We wanted folk to tell the stories that our legislators are not hearing and are not responding to.
See news coverage of the day here:
- Union Leader, More ‘Poor People’s Campaign’ arrests, group charges America with systemic racism
- Sentinel Source, Area residents arrested in ‘amicable’ protest at Statehouse
- Eagle Times, Local protestors occupy the N.H. State House in the name of the poor
- Kyle Moore on Medium.com, 375 Arrested for Week Five of the Poor People’s Campaign
We will have one more week of rallies and direct actions on Monday, June 18 at 2:00pm. Let’s share this in our congregations, with fellow church members and on our social media accounts to make a strong showing and say that across our lines of denomination, belief and advocacy interest: We are here, we want a moral economy that lifts up us all and we won’t be silent anymore!
Looking ahead to June 18
On Monday, June 18, we conclude our 40 Days of Moral Action:
- 12:00 noon at St. Paul’s Church, 21 Centre Street, for an orientation to the day’s actions. This is required for people who risk arrest. If you’d rather take another volunteer role, this is a good time to show up.
- 2:00pm A rally in front of the State House with numerous, diverse speakers including clergy and faith leaders
- 3:00pm You are invited to support those risking arrest with your presence, signs, songs, photos and videos. Your support makes a difference!