Protesters march through East Oakland

This march was in th 40,000 person range

There's been a lot of underreporting about the Oakland March yesterday - all I have to say was that it was one damn fine march. You gotta give it up to the folks who were willing to march 8 miles downtown, not to mention that they then had to walk BACK home afterwards. The march itself was comprised nearly solely of people from the community, and got longer and longer as it continued down east 14th. And it was just that - people - HELLA Kids, cholos, abuelitas, just folks from the barrio you know, no special sound system, no big organizational banners and 'PR' stints, just people, shouting their own chants, marching together, and having a good time. And to get the gente all excited there were hella folks just cruising up and down international bumpin their fat cars and waving U.S. and Mexican flags, blaring music, getting folks all riled up.And there was HELLA people there, I would also estimate around 40,000 like the previous compa said. Let's just say that by the time the front end of the march got to the federal building at 14th and broadway, the march was still extended all the way down 14th in downtown Oakland, then around the lake (merrit), and people were still on East 14th streaming towards downtown for quite a few more blocks. Then there were hella cars behind the people down East 14th for a least 15 more blocks, showing their vehicle solidarity and blasting the tunes. THAT's how many people were there!

Afterwards, folks were flooding the streets of San Antonio, Fruitvale, and out past Seminary for hours making their trek back home. And folks were just content and chillin out for the rest of the day, kickin it on their porches, barbecuing, talking about what their day was like, whatever, but just being proud of themselves and their community. It was definitely one day to remember.

This Sunday May 7 Cinco De Mayo will be celebrated en masse in the Fruitvale dist. The Parade starts at 10 am , music all day . I'm sure it will be a exceptionally political Cinco De Mayo in view of recent events . International Workers Day and a celebration of a Anti-Imperialist victory . A natural alliance .