Occupy Indy hits the city streets for Global Day of Action

Strong winds and cooling temperatures did little to deter the hundreds of protestors that showed up Saturday near the statehouse as a part of Occupy Indy’s involvement in the Global Day of Action. The local group is aligned with the “Occupy” movements that have spread to cities and small towns across the world to speak out against socioeconomic inequality and the influence of corporations in politics.

Saturday’s occupation included Hoosiers marching around Monument Circle holding signs and shouting rally cries and gathering to listen to group members speak at an open microphone on newly dubbed “Liberty Lawn” outside the statehouse.

Since September, Occupy Wall Street has brought thousands of protestors to New York City’s Zuccotti Park. The success of the movement inspired its replication in Indianapolis. Last Saturday, around 1,500 protestors gathered for Occupy Indy’s kickoff event.

Debra Moore of Akron, Ind., made the three hour trip to Indianapolis (which included some time to purchase supplies for the group) to be a part of the protest.

“It’s that important,” Moore said. “This has been a long time coming.”

For those unable to make it downtown, Moore points to the group’s success with live streaming video of Occupy Indyfor out-of-town followers. “We have the best live stream [of the movement], we’ve been told,” she said. “We have people from Dublin, Ireland, people from Australia, people from all over the world saying you have the best live stream anywhere.”Stefan Ludlow, a Butler University student, says the success of the Oct. 8 event left him dedicated to coming back. “I saw 1,500 people who weren’t previously a part of the political process say, ‘I want in. I’m not being heard,’” Ludlow said.

IndySphere will be posting more about the movement and its progress throughout the week. Contact us with your thoughts and commentary and send us pictures and video of Occupy Indy.