Jake Gellar-Goad: Historic Thousands on Jones Street 2012

My recurring bouts with flares of rheumatoid arthritis have happened at unfortunate times and this morning was one of them. I was unable to cover this march, but fellow Triangle resident Jake Gellar-Goad was there.

Thousands of people took to the streets today in North Carolina’s capital city. HK on J (Historic Thousands on Jones Street) is an annual civil rights and progressive issue-based march in Raleigh, NC.  The 6th annual march happened this morning. It was really empowering to see so many people there supporting equality, voting rights, and social justice.

I saw old friends, made new contacts, and even saw Representative Miller there as well who I hope will run for governor.  There were a lot of folks out there supporting LGBT equality and opposing the marriage discrimination amendment too.

For even more coverage, and photos from the event, check out: http://bluenc.com/hkonj-2012

News Coverage of the march:

“Thousands rally for civil rights in downtown Raleigh”
http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10717192/

Both [National NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous and North Carolina NAACP head William Barber] said the majority lose when politicians use wedge issues to divide people, citing the example of a proposed amendment to the North Carolina constitution that would enshrine state laws barring gay marriage.

“Advocates for equality rally through Raleigh in HK on J march”
http://triangle.news14.com/content/top_stories/653658/advocates-for-equality-rally-through-raleigh-in-hk-on-j-march

The event addresses education equality, workers’ rights and equal protection under the law. Participants say they are rallying for causes such as poverty, rights of the working class and voter suppression.

“HKonJ coalition pushes progressive political agenda in Raleigh”
http://www2.nbc17.com/news/2012/feb/11/hkonj-coalition-pushes-progressive-agenda-raleigh-ar-1919451/

“The new far-right, Tea Party-backed ultra-conservative leadership of the General Assembly has attacked public education; assailed our voting rights; ignored the cries of the poor and unemployed; sought to divide us by race, income, region and sexual orientation; and tried to sell off our environment to the highest bidder,” an advance copy Rev. Barber’s speech said.