SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
"...there's too much at stake, and justice will always prevail. They can pretend not to listen, but we cannot be silenced." - Elizabeth Benefield
According to the state chapter of the NAACP, this week's action focused on the importance of health and environmental justice, with an emphasis on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing.
One of the estimated 1,000 protesters, Elizabeth Benefield, commented to local outlet The News & Observer that she was there because she wanted legislators to know her opposition to their policies. "[T]here's too much at stake, and justice will always prevail," she said. "They can pretend not to listen, but we cannot be silenced."
Another demonstrator, Jay O'Berski, said he was inspired by the "cocktail of meanness" occurring in the legislature. He expressed his concerns, noting that these harmful policies are "starting to branch out" and affect other areas.
What differentiates this action from previous gatherings was the presence of researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill who canvassed the crowd collecting demographic information. The move to collect this data was a result of Governor Pat McCrory's earlier comment that the demonstrators are "outsiders," implying that not enough support for the movement exists within the state.
Organizers told The News & Observer that they are anticipating an even larger crowd next week, which falls on the last Monday before unemployment benefits are set to be cut as part of a law signed by the Governor earlier this year.
Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.
_____________________
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
"...there's too much at stake, and justice will always prevail. They can pretend not to listen, but we cannot be silenced." - Elizabeth Benefield
According to the state chapter of the NAACP, this week's action focused on the importance of health and environmental justice, with an emphasis on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing.
One of the estimated 1,000 protesters, Elizabeth Benefield, commented to local outlet The News & Observer that she was there because she wanted legislators to know her opposition to their policies. "[T]here's too much at stake, and justice will always prevail," she said. "They can pretend not to listen, but we cannot be silenced."
Another demonstrator, Jay O'Berski, said he was inspired by the "cocktail of meanness" occurring in the legislature. He expressed his concerns, noting that these harmful policies are "starting to branch out" and affect other areas.
What differentiates this action from previous gatherings was the presence of researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill who canvassed the crowd collecting demographic information. The move to collect this data was a result of Governor Pat McCrory's earlier comment that the demonstrators are "outsiders," implying that not enough support for the movement exists within the state.
Organizers told The News & Observer that they are anticipating an even larger crowd next week, which falls on the last Monday before unemployment benefits are set to be cut as part of a law signed by the Governor earlier this year.
Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.
_____________________
"...there's too much at stake, and justice will always prevail. They can pretend not to listen, but we cannot be silenced." - Elizabeth Benefield
According to the state chapter of the NAACP, this week's action focused on the importance of health and environmental justice, with an emphasis on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing.
One of the estimated 1,000 protesters, Elizabeth Benefield, commented to local outlet The News & Observer that she was there because she wanted legislators to know her opposition to their policies. "[T]here's too much at stake, and justice will always prevail," she said. "They can pretend not to listen, but we cannot be silenced."
Another demonstrator, Jay O'Berski, said he was inspired by the "cocktail of meanness" occurring in the legislature. He expressed his concerns, noting that these harmful policies are "starting to branch out" and affect other areas.
What differentiates this action from previous gatherings was the presence of researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill who canvassed the crowd collecting demographic information. The move to collect this data was a result of Governor Pat McCrory's earlier comment that the demonstrators are "outsiders," implying that not enough support for the movement exists within the state.
Organizers told The News & Observer that they are anticipating an even larger crowd next week, which falls on the last Monday before unemployment benefits are set to be cut as part of a law signed by the Governor earlier this year.
Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.
_____________________