March For Justice

By Norman Wolfe

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, April NO CUTS COALITION a labor-community coalition working, gathered to prevent cuts in federal programs that provide basic survival needs to people.  The march focused on government cuts and reductions in programs that serve the poor.  The three main issues were: extending unemployment compensation for the long term unemployed, raising the minimum wage, and restoring food stamp cuts pushed over the last six months.  The march was held in Ohio City, gathering at Market Square Park on the corner of 25th and Loraine Avenue.  The event was well organized and attendance was high with much energy.

I immediately spotted Debbie Lettau in the crowd, who I mentioned in passing that I would be at the March and was pleased that she was there.  I knew that Larry Bresler would be there but had to hunt him down.  I found him standing alone which it was unusual because he is always surrounded with people.  Obviously easy to spot standing out among the gathered group of people was Paul Sherlock who I recently had the pleasure of meeting during my outreach ride along with Jim Schlecht.

We started the march at Market Square Park, walked north for two blocks on 25th Street, and doubled back to Lorain Ave.  We marched west on Lorain Avenue from West 25th street to West 44th and Franklin where a welcoming meal was laid out, testimonies from marchers, and speeches by invited speakers. St. Paul’s Community Church was the host for the speeches and testimonials. It was a long walk, but the weather was great.

Copyright Cleveland Street Chronicle May 2014 Cleveland, Ohio

Chris Knestrick