S.A. joins National Day of Protest

Marchers target evictions, racism, police brutality

Several local activist groups protested along rainy downtown streets Saturday as part of a national day of action to demand a stop to evictions and foreclosures and an end to police brutality and racism.

At noon, more than 40 people gathered for a protest march and caravan at the parking lot on West Nueva Street, across from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown campus.

The event was sponsored by the San Antonio chapter of the Party for Socialism & Liberation. Co-sponsors included the Autonomous Brown Berets de San Anto, San Antonio Tenants Union, About Face Veterans Against the War, Workers World Party and PODER Social Jutice Caucus of the San Antonio Alliance.

Jake Tucker, an organizer with the PSL, said material changes are needed, such as extension of unemployment benefits and a job guarantee.

“Just like in the New Deal, if the private sector will not provide the jobs, the government will be the employer of last resort,” Tucker said, “guaranteeing a quality safe job for every worker. We don’t believe there’s a democracy anymore. If it was a democracy these things wouldn’t be happening.”

He said other demands included cancellation of rent, universal health care and not opening schools until it’s safe.

The people lined up around 20 cars in rows beneath the Interstate 10 overpass that protected them from showers. Many of the windows had taped signs with slogans and messages written in marker such as “Direct Cash Assistance for Working People.”

Natalie Clifford, a South Side educator, wrote several messages on her car windows that included “Economic Justice for All!”

“It’s very personal,” she said. “These are people I care about. A lot of our families are suffering economic hardships.”

Ten people bearing signs marched ahead of the caravan as it moved onto West Nueva Street and the start of the nearly 2-mile route. They moved past police headquarters onto South Santa Rosa Avenue and turned right on Dolorosa Street.

As heavy rain fell, the motorists continued to honk horns and flash hazard lights. The marchers kept chanting as the procession wound its way onto East Commerce Street back to Santa Rosa Avenue and ended past SAPD headquarters.

Before the procession began, several speakers talked about the groups’ demands.

Ananda Tomas, with San Antonio Coalition for Police Accountability and Reform, challenged the protesters to take action, reach out to legislators, vote and run for office.

“It’s not just about unity,” she said. “It’s about action.”

Photos by Robin Jerstad / Contributor Marchers lead a caravan of vehicles through downtown during the National Day of Protest. The event was sponsored by the San Antonio chapter of the Party for Socialism & Liberation.

Ananda Tomas with San Antonio Coalition for Police Accountability and Reform speaks to participants during the San Antonio rally. She challenged the protesters to take action, reach out to legislators, vote and run for office.