Poor People’s Campaign Protests the Mistreatment of Immigrants

Activists and civil rights advocates gathered Thursday during the sixth and final week of action in the current phase of the Poor People’s Campaign, an effort to relaunch Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight against poverty, war and income inequality. A press release from the organizers explains the goals behind this week’s actions:

The protests will culminate in a massive march on the U.S. Capitol Saturday led by people from across the country who are affected by President Trump and Congress’ policy violence. Saturday’s protest will launch the next phase of the groundbreaking revival of the 1968 movement started by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others.

Thursday’s protest comes on the anniversary of the 1964 disappearance of civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and David Goodman, whose bodies were found buried in a dam in Philadelphia, Mississippi Aug. 4 of that year. David Goodman, the brother of Andrew Goodman, will join the Poor People’s Campaign protest.

Truthdig correspondents Michael Nigro and Clara Romeo reported live from Thursday’s protest at the Capitol. Read their updates below, view Nigro’s Week 6 photo essay and follow Saturday’s live blog from the Capitol.

2:30 p.m. EDT Thursday: Michael Nigro reports from the field with a Facebook Live:

2:45 p.m. EDT: Clara Romeo reports that delegates from across the nation have gathered on the National Mall to protest families being separated at the border:

Demonstrators have begun a march to the Capitol:

3 p.m. EDT: Clara Romeo reports that marchers shut down 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue. The police have created a barrier in front of the Capitol.

3:30 p.m. EDT: The Rev. William Barber addresses the protesters outside the Capitol:

3:40 EDT: Clara Romeo reports that the Rev. William Barber, a leading figure in the campaign, has been arrested, along with other demonstrators.