Press Release: DESPITE THREAT OF THUNDERSTORMS, THOUSANDS GATHERED AT ONE NATION CALIFORNIA “DAY OF ACTION” IN LOS ANGELES TO FIGHT FOR THE CHANGE WE VOTED FOR IN 2008

Event was part of Massive One Nation Working Together March in Washington, DC and was largest One Nation event outside of the Capitol

“Day of Action” meant to re-energize, re-engage and inspire 500,000 Californians to go to the polls in November and fight for the change most Americans voted for in 2008

Los Angeles (October 2, 2010)– Today, thousands of Californians gathered in Los Angeles for a “Day of Action” meant to re-energize and inspire 500,000 Californians to go the polls in November, and in 2012, to fight for the change most Americans voted for in 2008. As Californians gathered, an estimated 175,000 people marched on Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial and more still at regional events around the country. The event in Los Angeles was the largest event held outside of Washington, D.C.

The event also focused on voter outreach with activists canvassing areas neighborhoods and participating in a phone bank.

“We are here today to fight for good jobs for everyone, a secure home, justice for all people and quality education for our children,” said Laphonza Butler, President of SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW). “It is a day to elevate the concerns of the average person who goes to work every day and who simply wants to live the American dream.”

Speakers included local activists and One Nation partners, including leaders from the NAACP, the immigration rights movement, the LGBT community, labor and more. Actors Danny Glover, Anne-Marie Johnson, Mike Farrell, and Valerie Harper, and entertainers Jennifer Johns and Tom Morello, the Nightwatchman, also participated. Artist Derek Gores, whose work has been shown in various California galleries, also created a public interactive display that symbolized unity through its design as a collage of photos.

“Through this day of action, we are sending a clear message that we must unite our country and stop the polarizing tactics that use issues like immigration to divide us,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).

There were also personal stories from many Americans who talked about the impact of the economy, immigration and other national issues have had on their lives and their families.

“Something is happening here. People of all backgrounds, identities, heritages and hometowns are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work to help refocus our nation’s priorities on more jobs, good jobs and secure jobs,” said Mr. Glover. “We are committed to putting America back to work and pulling America back together. We are going to continue to fight for the change we voted for in 2008.”

One Nation Working Together is a fast-growing grassroots movement of people from all backgrounds united by the goal of reordering our nation’s priorities to invest in our most valuable resource – our people. The movement is comprised of over 400 organizations and tens of thousands of individuals who believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the American Dream of having a secure job, a safe home and a quality education.

Contact: Kerry Townsend Jacob 310-806-0893 or Scott Mann 323-333-4850