Protest Films

The American Indian Movement (AIM) is at the front of the most important issues affecting all of us. Here in LA, they are a source of leadership and a moral compass. We are a better society because of their continuous activism. As part of a national day of action against Chase bank, they brought their message straight to one of the biggest participants in funding climate chaos and indigenous rights abuses.

Do we have the right to own animals? Don’t they deserve to live an autonomous life? There is a campaign in full swing to get the LA Zoo’s only male elephant, Billy, released to a sanctuary. He’s lived almost his entire life (nearly 30 years) in captivity in conditions detrimental to both his physical and mental health. In this clip, Carrie LeBlanc of CompassionWorks International speaks at a rally for Billy out front of the zoo. I’ve been thinking about this idea of animal ownership for awhile so her message stuck with me. Search #FreeBilly for info on how to help get Billy to a sanctuary.

If you want to change people’s minds, you have to get their attention first. These activists, led by Peter Lucky, constructed a large plate with utensils and placed it on a busy sidewalk in Hollywood. Then they added themselves as the main dish. The goal was to show people that eating animals is no different than eating humans, our bodies are the same. Anyone who stopped to check out their plate demonstration was approached by a volunteer who discussed veganism with them. And did I mention that a 13-year-old was one of the main organizers? What an amazing kid.

The best part about attending protests is seeing the creativity in the crowd. This emotional street performance of "Thoughts and Prayers" by grandson featuring kids from the West Los Angeles Children's Choir at the March for Our Lives was incredibly powerful. They made their way to the counter-protestors and drowned them out with love.

On 3/19/18, the city council of Los Alamitos, CA decided to enact an ordinance to exempt their city from CA’s new sanctuary state law. By doing so, they gave their city the ignoble title of the most racist city in CA. With her mom in the audience with tears running down her face, this girl spoke on behalf of decent people who value all members of our community. This is great parenting.