Occupy protesters from across the Midwest are in Detroit this weekend for a regional conference aimed at thinking of practical ways to help urban areas.
Called “Occupy the Midwest: Another World is Possible,” the conference is drawing about 300 Occupy protesters from across Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, and London, England. Occupy Detroit is hosting the conference, which continues until Sunday.
“All of our workshops are solution-based,” said Diara Lo, of Shelby Township, a member of Occupy Detroit.
Detroit was chosen as the site of the Occupy the Midwest conference because the challenges it faces reflect broader problems facing the country, said organizers.
In Detroit, there’s an “opportunity to make significant changes because things are so desperate,” Diara Lo said.
Workshops include sessions on urban farming, solar panels, housing, political protests, and banks. Today, Occupy members protested against Fannie Mae over housing issues and against the state’s emergency manager law.
Earlier this year, Occupy Detroit opened a new center on Michigan Avenue in Detroit, hoping to establish a permanent presence in the city. Last year, they camped out in Grand Circus Park to protest economic conditions.
For more information on Occupy the Midwest events, visit:http://www.occupythemidwest.org
Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com
