Around the 6-month anniversary of the Occupy Oakland protests, I thought it might be a good thing to create this tribute. I am the first one to admit that I never made it down to Frank Ogawa to join in the marches, nor have I agreed with all of the decisions made and actions taken by the protesters. I do, however, have much respect for the passion and sincerity of my students and colleagues who participated in some of the Occupy protests. Moreover, I am very pleased to have witnessed an uprising that–especially in cities like Boston and New York–saw young college activists standing alongside middle-aged working folks of many different races, organizing around their shared interests. If nothing else, the Occupy movement did at least bring the uneven distribution of wealth to the fore in ways that forced politicians to have to talk about it. That, in and of itself, is something of a miracle.

Ajuan Mance