New Orleans Social Justice Community Gathers This Weekend for the Party of the Year

This Saturday, an historic coalition of the many grassroots organizations that make up New Orleans' social justice community will come together for the party of the year: a masquerade party to fundraise for New Orleans' participation in the US Social Forum, a national gathering happening this summer in Detroit.

In January, we highlighted local organizing happening to plan for the 2010 US Social Forum, noting:

From June 22 - 26, 2010, tens of thousands of social justice activists from across the US will converge on Detroit, Michigan for the US Social Forum, a unique convening that is part of an international process aimed at increasing justice in our world. Grassroots organizers from New Orleans have been working to make sure that New Orleans is a central part of this historic event...

New Orleans organizers have been planning for the 2010 US Social Forum for several months. There is already a youth contingent organizing to make sure young voices are represented, and fundraising has already begun. Local organizations like The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond; Advocates for Environmental Human Rights; Black Men United for Change and Equality; VOTE-NOLA; and Safe Streets Strong Communities are already working on making sure the people of New Orleans are represented. To get involved, contact one of these organizations.

There is much that people from around the US can learn from New Orleans and our post-Katrina experience. On any issue - criminal justice, education, health care, privatization, housing, and the workplace - we have faced both crisis and massive changes. This process represents a chance to move our local struggles forward, and to make sure the lessons we have learned educate and inspire others.

Several hundred New Orleanians went to the last US Social Forum , in Atlanta in 2007. As a result, New Orleans' community organizations played a central role in the movement strategizing happening that weekend. But those were better economic times, and Atlanta was a lot closer. For New Orleans to continue to play this important role, grassroots fundraising efforts like this weekend's masquerade party are vital.

Also, we are sure this will be an amazing time, with an incredible group of people.

The Masquerade Party will be this Saturday, April 11, from 7:00pm - 11:00pm, at the at the African American Museum on 1418 Governor Nicholls. Organizers have also put together a raffle, with prizes including a 37 inch flat screen TV. Tickets can be purchased from Community Book Center, 2523 Bayou Road, or from many local social justice organizations.

We look forward to seeing you there.