On January 20, we took part in Move to Amend’s nationwide Occupy the Courts! protest on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United ruling. We rallied at the Federal Courthouse in Raleigh. See below for Heather Epes’ report and Kevin Smith’s photos.

On Wednesday, January 18, Heather Epes was interviewed about the action on WUNC’s The State of Things. Listen to Heather’s conversation with host Frank Stasio.

On January 21 and 22, further actions were held, organized by Occupy Raleigh. The “Drum Out Citizens United” drum circle at the N.C. Supreme Court on January 21 was attended by about 45 people (in the rain!) and followed by a march with at least 30 people. See their press release (pdf) for details.

Triangle Occupy the Courts Report

by Heather Epes

Our demonstration at the Raleigh District Court on January 20th was a success! A sincere thank you to all the groups, organizations, and individuals who helped make it happen!

We had a very successful (and fun!) event and were at one point between 40 and 50 people strong! The protest was covered by three TV stations and a few photographers, including our ever-present photojournalist, Kevin Smith. In addition to music and song and a little Mit Romney street theater, we also enjoyed an endless parade of car horns creating the Doppler Effect of support all day long!

We made connections, exchanged ideas, and participated in an impromptu NCMultiOccupy General Assembly, where we were able to talk about Triangle events and future Occupy partnerships. As a plus, we were largely unmolested by the police, though our space was surrounded by parked police vehicles, we were told to put away two banners, and I was told to get off a bench-height wall (very scary). One police officer went out of his way to quietly express his support of our efforts.

Thanks to Occupy Durham for all the printing of pamphlets and planning help; Occupy Chapel Hill for the legal observers and support; Occupy Raleigh for the support; Jeremy Gilchrist of Occupy Raleigh for toting along his guitar; Occupy Charlotte for suddenly showing up with food and support; the Raging Grannies for showing up and singing their “I Wish I Were a Corporation” anthem tirelessly; Frank Ferrell (President, Ninth St. Bakery) for donation of the Bio Bus; Democracy NC for bringing that enormous gavel and offering future assistance; Mit Romney (Sara Appel) and his satire; all those who made signs and held them up for hours; carpool drivers; Diane Nelson for donating food; those who let us borrow supplies; Lila Little for recording the event and Becca for loaning her iPhone; representatives and support from Triangle Move to Amend, NC Voters for Clean Elections, Committee to End Corporate Personhood, The Human Rights Center, and NC AFL-CIO; all who participated in the NCMultiOccupy General Assembly; and thanks to all unnamed here who helped plan the event and who showed up and lent a hand and voice!

Here’s to your Camaraderie and Efforts!

All photos by Kevin Smith.