Vocal New York led an Occupy March from
Zucotti Park to City Hall as a part of a protest against the lack of
funding of diseases that have disproportionate impact on the poorest
people. Vocal NY advocates for those suffering from HIV, Mental
illness, substance abuse hepatitis C, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
Vocal advocates for an extension and expansion of taxes on the
wealthiest New Yorkers (and on the federal level). They would have
this money spent on healthcare on and the research, treatment, and
cures of the above mentioned diseases. They also advocate more
funding for the housing of the poorest of New Yorkers, such as the
homeless, mentally ill, and aids victims. The poorest and the
sickest of people tend to respond much better to treatment for mental
and physical illnesses if they have stable housing. Vocal New York
has joined forces with the occupation to bring attention to these
issues.
As for the march itself, protesters met
at Zucotti Park at 11am on Dec. 1st, 2011. After having different HIV patients and
services providers speak, the group proceeded to march to city hall.
On Broadway across from city hall, around 10 protesters chained
themselves together in the middle of the street in an act of civil
disobedience. Traffic was blocked and the police arrested the
protesters. Vocal New York has done a great job in making the needs
of the poorest and sickest segments of the population visible.
Screenwriter. Historian. BA in History and certificate in Latin American studies from Cornell University. MA in English Education from Columbia University. Very interested in public policy.