Rockford, Ill., youth demand jobs

Members of Fight Imperialism, Stand Together (FIST) led a march of 30 people on Nov. 5 through the streets of downtown Rockford, Ill. With the theme of “Stop the racist wars at home and abroad!” the multinational and multigenerational group targeted institutions such as the Rockford Police Department, Chase Bank and City Hall.

Contrasting the ever-increasing military budget with the lack of funding for people’s needs, FIST exposed imperialism as the driving force behind the war on workers and oppressed people here and around the world.

When rallying at the police station, protesters chanted, “Who can we trust? Not the police!” and “Jobs not jails!” Their words filled the streets as FIST denounced police terror against oppressed communities and demanded an end to the prison-industrial complex. In a city torn apart by mass unemployment and incarceration, these demands resonated with onlookers who overwhelmingly supported the march.

At City Hall, youth spoke out on the lack of jobs, a crumbling education system and the criminalization of young people. In this period of unending capitalist crisis, youth are stepping up to the task of mobilizing in their communities and taking more of a leading role in the political movement.

Tommy Cavanaugh

Share
Published by
Tommy Cavanaugh

Recent Posts

NATO and the EU are pushing Europeans toward warNATO and the EU are pushing Europeans toward war

NATO and the EU are pushing Europeans toward war

Raposo is a Portuguese Marxist analyst, editor of the web magazine jornalmudardevida.net, where this article…

July 25, 2025
Why ouster of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia is key to lasting peace and stabilityWhy ouster of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia is key to lasting peace and stability

Why ouster of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia is key to lasting peace and stability

By Alireza Salehi The following commentary first appeared on the Iranian-based Press TV at tinyurl.com/53hdhskk.…

July 25, 2025
From Palestine to Turtle Island: Smash the capitalists’ settler states! Part 2From Palestine to Turtle Island: Smash the capitalists’ settler states! Part 2

From Palestine to Turtle Island: Smash the capitalists’ settler states! Part 2

This is Part Two of a series based on a talk given at a national…

July 25, 2025
Educators for Palestine claims victory against racism and hate, despite NEA board decisionEducators for Palestine claims victory against racism and hate, despite NEA board decision

Educators for Palestine claims victory against racism and hate, despite NEA board decision

Educators for Palestine released the following news release on July 19, 2025.  Washington, D.C. Educators…

July 24, 2025
Palestinian, Lebanese resistance hails order to release Georges AbdallahPalestinian, Lebanese resistance hails order to release Georges Abdallah

Palestinian, Lebanese resistance hails order to release Georges Abdallah

On July 17, a court in France ordered the release of Georges Abdallah, a Lebanese…

July 24, 2025
Yemeni leader denounces Israeli aggression on SyriaYemeni leader denounces Israeli aggression on Syria

Yemeni leader denounces Israeli aggression on Syria

The following are highlights from a speech given by Yemen’s Ansarallah Commander Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr…

July 24, 2025