Occupy...My Momma's front yard!

Today I got a picture message from my mom. At first glance, I couldn't really tell what was going on; it just looked like a huge mob of people. I looked closer, and began to recognize some elements in the picture. The awning covering the door next to my mother's house protruded from the left side of the screen, and what appeared to be the front porch became a bit clearer as I studied the image. While those elements appeared recognizable, I couldn't understand why there were so many other strange things among the very familiar.

I immediately text my mom to figure out what was going on. She informed me that protesters had taken over the block. I was confused. Protestors...on my childhood block...in East New York, Brooklyn...somebody got some 'splainin' to do.

Upon further investigation, I discovered that people had gathered to take a stand against home foreclosures in our neighborhood. Across the street from our home was a recently-vacated residence that used to be the home of a family who is now homeless...well, was homeless...until today. Apparently, the demonstration was about taking back this home so this family would have a place to stay. People marched for blocks through the streets of Brooklyn carrying home furnishings, plants, and the intent to help this family reclaim their shelter.

Shortly after I got the text message, one of my nieces called. I asked her how she was, and if she understood what was happening, and she explained that "some people were outside interfering with her beauty rest". I chuckled, but then recognized the teachable moment. I explained that things aren't always what they seem. We spent the next few moments talking about social justice and the Civil Rights Movement (in 6th grade language of course), and about the importance of the demonstrators taking a stand so that a family could once again have a place to "beauty rest". She engaged me further, and then got off the phone to share what she learned with her siblings.

I later called my mom to check in and she informed me that she couldn't speak because she was getting some water for the demonstrators; I could hear in her voice the excitement of getting an opportunity to relive a moment like the ones she used to tell us about from her high school days. When she was a teen, no high school in New York would enroll her because she had a reputation; she'd been among the students to take over local schools and participate in marches and sit-ins. She was down with some of the early movements to "occupy" for justice.

I secretly longed to be among the crowd. I felt proud about what was happening and inspired again to reflect on my contribution. How will I "occupy" a space in this world that takes a stand for something and someone(s) I truly believe in?

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/06/9254617-brooklyn-home-liberated-by-occupy-protesters-cops-hang-back

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/06/9253196-marching-to-foreclosed-home-accompanied-by-cops