This morning, a group of 150 or so NE neighbors, Occupy veterans, the Portland Liberation Organizing Council (PLOC), people facing foreclosure on their homes, and folks from a multitude of local community organizations rallied together in Northeast Portland to reclaim a previously foreclosed home on NE Bryant and 6th. The previously unknown location was the destination of a 9:30 am march that started at Woodlawn Park.
Alicia Jackson, who was booted from the house in August and currently living with her father, was “overwhelmed” by the community’s support and action to bring her home. “There’s unity in community,” Jackson said after opening the door to her home for the first time, followed by volunteers carrying moving boxes. “This is amazing!” While she successfully reclaimed her home today, her side yard has already been occupied by a new rental complex, funding by the bank loans.
Along with helping Jackson move her things back into the home and change the locks, folks put on gardening gloves and pulled weeds and replanted flowers in her front lawn. Ralliers of all ages also blocked off the street to kick off a block party—fit with food, music and games (yes, tax dodger dodge-ball). A few participants even sawed down the “for sale” sign and made it into a maypole.
Despite a pair of police cars parked far down the street, the mellow event drew little police attention. It looks like the majority of the police force is downtown covering the Occupy strike march—keep your eyes on the blog to follow the rest of today’s May Day happenings!
Update 1:05 PM: That march downtown has already lead to more than a dozen arrests. About 150 or so protesters who started marching from the underbelly of the Burnside Bridge are facing off with cops trying to keep them off downtown streets. Scuffles have been reported at SW Salmon and Broadway, SW Fifth and Start, and SW First and Pine. There’s been one smoke bomb so far, but no tear gas or pepper spray. But, wait… what’s that? Rot cops appear to be showing up.
WILL THESE PEOPLE STAND GUARD 24 HOURS A DAY IN PERPETUITY IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE LAWFUL OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY FROM EVICTING HER AGAIN?
What are “rot cops”? Can we get a picture of one?
Hopefully these folks are there to pay for her attorney fees when she’s arrested and charged with unlawful entry and destruction of property. You’re being used Alicia. Get out while you still can.
“GOT ARRESTED ON MAY DAY” IS THE NEW “BREWED MY OWN MEAD.”
All the people at this rally are probably “artists” who go around talking about the “bands” they’re in, and then go out and vandalize things. Hipsters.
@SHOWSTOPPER: ARE YOU TRYING TO WIN SOME SORT OF BUZZ-WORDS OF LAZY-COMPLAINING BINGO COMPETITION?
Geez, I hope they also help her move back out when the time comes.
Wait.. how did they “reclaim” the house? Marching into a place that the bank owns is called trespassing, no matter how many anarchists are present or how many signs are sawed down. Just walking back in doesn’t mean she can live there again. Did they buy it back from the bank? Don’t understandz….
Occupiers do not tell the whole story.
She was never actually foreclosed on.
Once again some one creates an account with my name. I did not post #5. I don’t really care. Whoever you are,you sadly need a life or attention. I actually feel sorry for you
HIPSTERS….POUR-OVER….DIY….TROLLEYS….SAM ADAMS….BINGO!!!
And since you suck at this, I will help you: for one thing, hipsters don’t vandalize anything (except fashion of course), and people in “bands” are probably rehearsing therefore don’t have time for this sort of thing, silly. It is good to know you are emo as fuck though:)
And oregonmetry for comment of the week
Wow, so if you lose your house, you just move back in and change the locks. Pretty sweet deal.
Does D have some valid info, here? Was she really not foreclosed on? Or was that just more…D being D?
You’re right Chuck.
Are rot cops something akin to boat cops? Or is rot am abbreviation for rottweiler?