 "Photo: Photo by Rosanna Rhaburn, Contributing Writer")
Monday marks day 38 of the Occupy DC movement at McPherson Square, a demonstration that receives mass media attention, not only because of its proof that the occupy movement is spreading, but the continuing differences in the agendas of the protestors.
A visit to McPherson Square unfolds a picture of camping tents, children playing, people yelling and signs hanging. All of these things make up the mismatched tarp village of Occupy DC.
Looking at the occupants of the 99% (citizens against corporate greed and destruction) of America's employed, unemployed, and the homeless protesting at McPherson Square it is hard to decipher who is who. The major difference is their daily routines.
Out of the crowd of protestors and those who now call McPherson Square home came a Howard University student who is occupying.
The average Howard University senior is worrying about graduation, attaining a job in their field and counting down the days until the student loan bills start coming in. However, Kiki Green's story is a little different.
Green is a 22 year-old senior photography major from New Brunswick, NJ. She has been part of the occupy movement for almost two months. She started with Occupy Wall St. and about three weeks ago she decided to join Occupy D.C.
She is a part-time student with only 8 credits hours and classes from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has been able to dedicate time and show dedication.
"I am here occupying because I am a true believer of peace and equality," she said. "What we (the people of the world) need to do is have a community like we have here (at Occupy D.C.) to show the people that it's (life) not just about your financial state its more than just that."
A blue and grey tent with a bug guard in front and a big blue tarp covering is what Green calls home. On the days she doesn't have classes, her day starts around 11a.m—waking up in a tent she shares – with five other people. Breakfast usually consists of some form of bread with a condiment and other days it may be nothing.
Throughout the day she entertains herself by painting, doing homework, and hanging out with friends, who too are occupying.
To shower Green may go home or use the bathroom of nearby restaurants for daily hygiene. Green is an active member of the occupy kitchen. She assists with cleaning up after breakfast and helps to cook dinner. Green is also part the Direct Action committee at McPherson Square. They are in charge of scheduling demonstration marches throughout the city for the Occupy D.C. protestors.
Lunchtime for Green is usually around 3 p.m. and what she eats varies based on what the kitchen makes or people donate. By 6:30 p.m. she is helping to prepare food for dinner, served an hour later.
Brutally cold nights leave protestors in a huddle to stay warm—but they never think twice about leaving.
"The weather holds a stiff arm for me," said Green, "But it hasn't stopped me because I'm still here."
Green said she feels safe through the night because she shares a tent with her friends. They all have at least two sleeping bags and sleep close to one another to generate heat.
The De-escalation Committee serves as the night watch security and is responsible for helping keep Occupy DC safe and secure for all.
"I consider myself in modern day enslavement because everyday in this modern society we are absorbed in the media and they (the media) make us believe in things that we don't need to believe in," Green said.
Green believes that Occupy D.C. will not disappear anytime soon—it's a great progression.
According to Green, when the movement started it consisted of a few people sleeping in sleeping bags on the ground or benches. Now the square is full of tents and 5 to 10 new people join the movement each day.
McPherson Square is also now equipped with two kitchens, two libraries, and a booth to play chest.
"I don't intend on ever leaving until there is a change," Green said.
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