Photos and Update from Day 4 of the Fast 4 Education

The fasters entered their 4th day today and were expecting further harrassment by City of Oakland officials, but were pleasantly surprised by their silence. Most of this probably has to do with community pressure exerted on city officials about harrassing the fasters for being at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Fasters spent most of the day trying to develop routines of drinking fluids and going to the bathroom. They also spoke to many different media people, relaxed, read, and one faster even attended her Ethnic Studies class on the grass in Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Dolores Huerta came by around 1:30 and spent some time encouraging the fasters and sharing her much needed animo to keep their spirits up and remind them that they can win their demands if they stick strong. Dolores also led a decent sized crowd of Fast 4 Education organizers and supporters in chanting "vivas"; and reminded everyone of the history of access to education in the United States and why it is so important to try to fix the funding priorities of the state of California.

The day ended with the fasters sharing words with a crowd of supporters at 8pm at the nightly candlelight vigil, and the crowd ended the vigil clapping in unison and chanting "Si se puede!!". Reminding the fasters and each other that together we can save our schools and fix the problems facing our state's youth as equal educational opportunities are continuely devalued by politicians like
the Governator.

For more information on how to get involved and how to help the fasters go to - http://www.indybay.org/news/2004/05/1680664.php

Every night there will be a candlelight vigil at 8pm at Frank Ogawa Plaza, until the fasters win their demands, or decide to move to Sacramento or another location.

Saturday May 15th from 12pm til 8pm their will be a Rally for Education. With music and inspiration provided by many different local artists and groups, and plenty of dancing.

For more info visit the March 4 Education website -