When activist Camille Beckles took the podium the first thing she did was snap a photo of the assembled crowd to put up on Twitter.
The act was a clear reflection and reminder that the Ferguson is most prominently a social media-driven movement.
Many turned out on a bitterly cold early evening for a fundraiser given for Ferguson activists. By the time we were seated it was a packed house reflecting the diversity of the city, with activists of every stripe, reminding us of the widespread support that exists for the movement.
The indefatigable street artist/activist Reverend Billy and his Church of Stop Shopping choir was again at the heart of the event. He deserves great respect for his wonderful, entertaining and challenging productions.
Activist Camille Beckles spoke passionately about the movement that sprung up in her hometown following Michael Brown's police execution. She repeatedly mentioned how hopeful she was about the strength and solidity of the movement.
Rev Billy brought to our attention how integrated and strategic the activists were, prizing their unity. Taken into account there are 50 different organizations, it's miraculous that the Left can remain so united. There's a lesson in that for all of us.
The "Words To Action" bulletin, run by local #Ferguson activists DeRay and Netta, is the daily movement bulletin that puts it all together - detailing "articles, quotes, videos, resources, and ways to get involved." Last night's event raised $6k for them.
Joan Baez's presence absolutely captivated the place. A lifelong, fearless activist who has marched alongside MLK and sang to him at his bedside and also went to Vietnam with a peace delegation, she was her ever radiant self.
Before she played she spoke and gave an arresting assessment of how risk averse people were today. The events of Ferguson, however, had changed her mind.
She sang three songs, the second of which was written by a Chilean activist who is credited with sparking a Latin American musical movement "that played a powerful role in the social upheavals in Portugal, Spain and Latin America in the 70's and 80's."
She finished with a rousing, singalong of a post-Civil War song called "Oh, Freedom" (which she performed at the March on Washington with Odetta) backed by The Lower East Girls Club choir, and the rest of the evening's performers, enveloping the church in rapturous solidarity with the people of Ferguson.
The
We Will Not Be Silent folks capped it off by dispersing amongst the crowd with their trademark signs.
9:21 PM PT: Here's the photo taken by activist Camille Beckles as she took to the podium.
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