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Occupy Berkeley March Peaceful
Protesters blocked Berkeley streets for the Occupy Berkeley march on Nov. 15.
Sunny weather complimented the almost cheery moods of the gathered protesters in Berkeley last Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Many carried signs and banners while chanting songs and stumming instruments. Several carried cameras and cell phones, documenting what those who participated knew would be important in history.
Though most of the marchers were actively protesting fee hikes for state schools, many also voiced their concerns over the recent fatal shooting of a suspicious person inside Haas Hall on the Berkeley campus earlier that day.
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Upon passing the Berkeley Police Department, the procession stopped and chanted a stop to brute police force.
One officer stood guard outside the building, while several officers with bunches of plastic handcuffs waited inside.
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Another stop was Chase Bank, where one protestor banged on the locked glass doors, watched by a tense security guard.
Berkeley High School students cheered the marchers, as well as several others in office buildings, those standing around the tents in the nearby park, and drivers stuck in traffic.
After two hours, the procession made its way back to the UC Berkeley campus, ending on the administration building steps. Amid songs accompanied by a random piano on the front steos and repeated microphone announcements, the protestors from Occupy Oakland arrived on campus, carrying a small pop-up tent on a tall pole like a trophy.
One student, a junior, said, smiling, "I am so excited to be a part of this. I believe in everything they're doing here!"
Students were not the only protestors present. Parents, teachers, and business owners also represented a significant part of the group. One parent, who requested anonimity, stated that she was "glad to help in the Berkeley tradition. Having a voice is a powerful tool and these kids are going to make a difference someday."
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