Thousands gather at Grand Circus Park for jobs and justice, with civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, UAW President Bob King and several national, state and local politicians leading the way. (Photo by Karen Fox/Tell Us Detroit)

Rebuild America Labor March and Michigan Dems Assemble in downtown Detroit

By Karen Hudson Samuels/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Politics, Jobs, Justice and Peace all rallied for support Saturday as two major events convened in downtown Detroit.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson led several thousand marchers from the Veterans Building down Washington Boulevard to Grand Circus Park for a rally to Rebuild America.

At the same time Democrats from around the state of Michigan were descending on Cobo Hall for their party’s weekend nominating convention. Hundreds of delegates filled the corridors and rooms to hear from candidates running for Supreme Court Justice, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Michigan State Board of Education and all University Education Boards. (See story on Virg Bernero)

UAW President Bob King and congressional representatives, including California congresswoman Maxine Waters joined Jackson at a news conference prior to the Rebuild America march.

Detroit is ground zero Jackson said in the battle to change policies and business practices that have put Michigan and the nation in an economic crisis. The specifics of Rebuild America were outlined in a release distributed at today’s press conference; program highlights include the following:

• Aid for unemployed. Congress needs to act promptly to ensure that benefits for the long-term unemployed continue beyond November.

• Aid for cities and states. The $26 billion approved by Congress for Medicaid and education is not enough; the Economic Policy Institute recommendation of $150 billion in federal assistance is needed.

• Moratorium on foreclosures. Support legislation, Senate Bill 29, introduced in the Michigan state legislative to establish a 2-year moratorium on foreclosure.

• Invest in infrastructure, industry and people. Upgrade/modernize the nation’s infrastructure with special attention to urban areas; retool manufacturing for the future; ensure fair trade.

The Rebuild America march coincides with the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s march on Washington in 1963. In the nation’s capital, there are dueling rallies: Reverend Al Sharpton is holding a “Reclaim the Dream” rally while conservative TV talk show host Glenn Beck gathers Tea Party followers on the Washington Mall. The Beck rally has unnerved supporters of King and leaders of the civil rights movement who question the timing and sincerity of a conservative whose views on race and social justice are at odds with those of Martin Luther King.