Nearly two hundred people rallied in the park today a block from Gayla's old, and new, home in West Oakland. After Gayla spoke movingly about how the bank deceived her about a loan modification and then kicked her kids out onto the street in their pajamas while she was at work (and no, I don't think she was making this up), we marched over to her just re-#occupied house:
BootsRiley Boots Riley
We have put a woman named Gayla back in her home on Adeline. She was kicked out for owing two months of mortgage. #OWS
Kossack kith joined me there; Allie123 came a bit later and took this amazing picture.
Thus concluded, for these weary feet, today's National Day of Action in Oakland. My tally was two banks rallied in front of, one vacant house reoccupied for the community via action initiated by Just Cause, and Gayla back in her home courtesy of Occupy Oakland and others.
There was no police presence to speak of anywhere today. I have no idea why. Perhaps they are just waiting until 2:00 AM to break down the doors and throw everyone out into the night.
No matter. However it goes from here, the spark has been lit. The banksters have not heard the last from us.
You can help Gayla too. From the flyer passed around at the rally:
Robin Aldridge, Residential Capital Management Income Fund.
CALL HER NOW: 858-768-6204
"Hello, I'm calling for Robin Aldridge. I am calling on behalf of homeowner Gayla Newsome. She wants to stay in her home. Do the right thing and give her a load modification with a principal writedown."
Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase (who made 20.8 million in 2010)
CALL HIM NOW: 212-270-0121
Chase's failure to work with Gayla helped lead her into Foreclosure.
"Hello, I'm calling to leave a message for Jamie Dimon. I am calling on behalf of homeowner Gayla Newsome. She wants to stay in her home. Do the right thing and give her a load modification with a principal writedown."
7:47 PM PT: A daylight picture of Gayla's house
8:48 PM PT: Michael Moore's 'Capitalism: A Love Story' - 'You Be Squatters in Your Own Home'