Occupy 477 Harlem

at and hot water restored to our building to finally confronting the long legacies of racism, patriarchy and colonialism of Europe. Points of Unity

Whereas, the building at 477 W. 142nd has stood as a sacred space for people from all over the world, a cultural site, low-income housing, a place of self-determination and self-organization for all oppressed people, we hereby declare our fight against any force that wishes to gentrify this building and turn it into anything other than a space for youth, people of color, the international community and any other oppressed group. Whereas, Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely has founded and secured this sacred space in Sugar Hill-Harlem as an international site for real dialogue amongst the nations, tribes and peoples of the world, we hereby vow to stand in unity with her as she leads this space, and all of Harlem as its community Mayor, into a new and better future, where all have equal opportunity, economic, social, spiritual and political. Whereas, black people were the first commodities traded on Wall Street as slaves to whites, we hereby call for reparations for all descendents of the African slave trade, and call for a society-wide education campaign to expose the legacy of slavery amongst the entire population. Whereas, the struggle requires self-reliance disciplined peoplewho are willing to work long and difficult hours under stressful conditions, we hereby state that all who live at Occupy 477 will be involved in the revolutionary struggle while they stay here, using their various talents to contribute to the righteous struggle for total emancipation from social, cultural and economic oppressions. Whereas, we want to make this a demonstration model of low-income housing, best practice in self-reliance and individual, cultural autonomy, we hereby declare that we stand with the world ready to set an example. Whereas, all human beings are entitled to shelter, clothing and nutritious food, we hereby stand with human rights being secured in all communities and for all peoples.