REDLANDS - Organizers of the Redlands Occupy Movement reacted to the early Wednesday morning eviction of protestors in Riverside, Philadelphia and Los Angeles on a positive note.Keith Jackson, a co-organizer of the local Occupy movement, said he was pleased with how police and protestors handled themselves.
"There hasn't been a large social movement like this in the United States for a long time. Police have had to deal with criminals and gang activity using different tactics that should never have been utilized with (Occupy) protestors," he said. "And while there was police action on encampments (Wednesday), it looks like everything ended pretty peacefully."
Since its beginning, organizers and members of Occupy Redlands have been advocating for peaceful protesting.
Several weeks ago, the organization released a statement of non-violence with the hope that others involved in the movement could relate to its message and help spread it among other groups.
And they have.
Jackson said that several Occupy movements in the Inland Empire have replicated the statement during their respective general assemblies.
"A little over three months New York set up the first encampment on Wall Street and since then, it has become an international symbol of this thrilling movement. Now, others are popping up all over the place," he said. "You can't evict an idea.
"Protestors have to be respectful of police officers who are just doing their job and vice versa. It could get ugly and nobody wants that," he added.
Occupy Redlands will be hosting a number of activities to shed light on the movement in the next couple weeks, Jackson said.
The group will continue to have a booth set up at the city's weekly Market Night held Thursdays in downtown Redlands.
They will also host a lecture at 7 tonight in the Renaissance Banquet Hall, 19 E. Citrus Ave., Suite 202.
Organizers and Occupy members will also make the rounds in North Redlands this Saturday to speak with residents of the Latino community about their mission.
Both Spanish and English speakers will go door to door to speak with residents at area homes, as well as Ranch Market, Jackson said.
"The Hispanic population is the fastest growing community in the United States, and the hardest hit. We hope to talk with these folks, tell them about Occupy Redlands and hear their stories," Jackson said. "In turn, we hope to advocate for policies and changes that are affecting them more than any other ethic group in the United States."
You can keep up with the Occupy Redlands movement online at www.occupyredlands.org
Reach Kristina via email, or call her at 909-793-3221.