Oakland, CA
1/20/01
Gibbs
Saturday, a small rally was held in front of the Ron Dellums Federal Building in Downtown Oakland. The crowd consisted of approximately 250 protesters. This small rally was a part of other rallies that were held throughout the nation, protesting and almost grieving the passing on of President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush's move into the White House.
The Oakland rally was especially small, in comparison to the San Francisco rally and other rallies throughout the nation. But although small, they had many signs that connected them with the theme of larger rallies throughout and across the nation.
The local chants and slogans were the same as were broadcast across the nation: Hail to the thief; www.con; Theft of an election; Court selected, not people elected, and on. As protesters chanted www.con and waved many different signs, they shouted at cars to honk their horns if they thought Bush had stolen the election--and passersby honked.
The small Oakland rally was distinct for a number of reasons: first, it was small, but most of all, there were very few Blacks in that small crowd--about 10--while Blacks have supported Bill Clinton overwhelmingly throughout his eight years in office. Third, the crowd was populated by what appeared to be middle-aged protesters. The young people seemed to have been brought by their parents, instead of true youth participation.
There were a few local politicians, even though it was endorsed by many more than attended. Amos White was the major organizer and the most vocal person at the moving podium. This small rally lasted about three hours.[]
