Thread by @richsssmith

A little late to the “Count every vote, protect every person” rally in Pioneer Square. Nikkita Oliver and members of daily BLM protest groups givin a lot of speeches linking voting to protecting Black lives. By protecting every vote, by voting, you’re voting for these people.”

No small amount of frustration from the speakers regarding the relatively small numbers of protesters at recent nightly protests. “We could have used you all last night, when those officers brutalized us,” says Trae from Black Action Coalition. ST: seattletimes.com/seattle-news/e…

Speaker also refers to local TV news stations King 5, KIRO, and KOMO as “the new KKK” who are “not telling our stories at all.”

In a speech on immigrant rights, Kamau says we can’t let Trump steal the election, and when Biden gets sworn in he needs to be pushed to enact a moratorium on deportations, and end to the separation of families, abolish ICE.

Ingrid Chapman at the Washington State Labor Council asks the crowd if they will abandon the BLM movement if Biden wins. The crowd promises not to. This following a speech about the role racism played in splitting the labor movement and getting Trump elected.

“Let’s not act like just because [Biden] wins things instantly change,” EDMer TK says, the fight will go on. Organizers, who have been pretty sanguine about Biden’s chances, are now marching to Westlake.

I’d say maybe 100-150 people marching in light rain.

Here’s the crowd, which is rolling with a pa on wheels and a pretty good percussion section

The Morning Marchers are very good at leading marches

Totally lowballed the crowd size earlier. Maybe 300-400.

As we march, a speaker encourages the crowd not just to criticize Trump but also the way they perpetuate racism in their daily lives. Also more encouragement to keep hitting th streets: “Stop pretending like you need to watch one of my people get lynched before you fucking care.”

Heard someone chant “Fuck Loren Culp” and I’m just surprised he’s got the name ID out here