People in cities across the country have been honoring the December 1st, 2005, the 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks's arrest with a Nationwide Day of Absence and Protest Against Poverty, Racism & War. This day is widely viewed as the anniversary of the opening of the mass Civil Rights movement and the struggle that brought Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.to prominence.

The Troops Out Now Coalition says, "The war in Iraq that has now destroyed the lives of more than 2100 U.S. soldiers and 100,000 Iraqi people; the racism and negelct at all levels of government in the wake of Hurricane Katrina; growing poverty and inequality; the drive to make the Supreme Court even more anti-woman and anti-civil rights; and Rosa Parks' death just days ago, have made this 50th anniversary of her arrest an even more serious and somber occasion to reflect on the need to restart the movement against poverty, racism and war." Downloadable placards and flyers

Organizers plan to use this anniversary to move the movement forward. There were protest marches, rallies, and teach-ins all over the US (Locations). In New York City, there were a march and rally on Wall Street because "a relatively handful of people who either own, control or profit from the economy, must know that we consider the right to live free of war and the right to a job, to be as much of a civil right as the right to sit in the front of the bus." In Rochester, New York, there were a community service project, a teach-in, a funeral march, and a community meal and concert. In Boston, 500 people marched and rallied. The Boston City Council had encouraged schools and businesses to close on December 1st. Photos Demands of these events included: "Bring the troops home now; Justice for Katrina evacuees; Jobs at a living wage; Military recruiters out of our schools; Cut the war budget– not healthcare, education & housing."

On Thursday, December 1st the Healdsburg Peace Project sponsored "WAR: Eyewitnesses Tell the Untold," featuring journalist Dahr Jamail, anti-war organizer Jeff Paterson, and Leuren Moet, who is an expert on depleted uranium. The event took place in the Healdsburg High School Cafeteria.
In Willits, people gathered from 5-6pm on the major highway that runs through town - holding signs, candles and banners proclaiming their desire for bringing the troops home and observing the 50th anniversary of Rosa Parks' arrest.
On Saturday, December 3rd, Troops Out Now Coalition (TONC)-Northern California will sponsor a speak out at 14th and Broadway in Oakland at 12pm. Flyer