Article: Occupy the Voting Booth

Green Night Out, on April 14, welcomed Harris Daniels, press secretary for Diop Olugbala's Mayor Campaign, www.diop2011.com , who led a discussion of the strategy of an independent, revolutionary, mayoral candidate in Philadelphia. Daniels said that this campaign was a success, which was demonstrated by the more than 6,400 citizens who voted for Diop over the two corporate candidates.

While consuming a delicious meal, the diners watched a clip of Diop's Comcast interview with Larry Kane, which emphasized the many positive elements of his campaign, which was based on the program of the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement, www.inpdum.org .

Erica Mines, chair of the Uhuru Movement's Philadelphia chapter, then explained some of the important highlights of their revolutionary national democratic program, which includes an end to mass incarceration, community control of public education, an elected citizen advisory board with the power to hire and fire police, and use of vacant lots to employ neighborhood gardeners.

After an interesting discussion of the similarities and differences between the Uhuru Movement and the Green Party, the gathered diners decided that each organization should learn from the other through working together on events. Such an exchange of energy and ideas could lead to a more formal relationship.

Green Night Out takes place monthly at Singapore Kosher Vegetarian Chinese Restaurant, www.singaporevegetarian.com, in Philadelphia, PA. Green Night Out is sponsored by the Green Party of Philadelphia, www.gpop.org. For more information about future Green Nights Out, please contact 215-243-7103.