Here's a break from our usual scheduled programming of show previews, shit talk, and subliminals: a little chop with Hip Hop Occupies' own Julie C on Rise & Decolonize! Let's Get Free, a national action going down on Friday, the 18th day of November (aka Hip Hop History Month). Find out more at www.hiphopoccupies.com.
Is "decolonize" a rebuttal to the idea of "occupation"?
Decolonization of the world, our neighborhoods, and our hearts is the movement, and has been. Decolonization shows solidarity to our indigenous comrades, POC, and allies in the third world who experience the term "occupation" very differently than the white liberal reformists who seem to be the popular faces and loudest voices emerging from Occupy. At the same time, we embrace the term "occupation" as it has been reclaimed by militant workers of color globally to describe a strike back against oppressive forces.
Why the move from Westlake to the SCCC campus?
As Hip Hop Occupies and POC Caucus, we supported the move from Westlake to SCCC, as a respite to regroup and reground. At Central, it's less tense, but it also has its own challenges.
I know part of the purpose of the day's events is to survey and identify issues relevant to our city. What are some of those?
We plan on canvassing around issues of media justice: We feel access is critical for people to participate in movement-building in this digital age. Another issue is youth justice, education disparities, corruption in the school district, youth-crime-prevention money going into law-enforcement agencies instead of community organizations, etc. Economic displacement is another one. Public funds that are supposed to go to housing vulnerable people are instead going to developers. We want the legacy of the Central District preserved through stopping the demolition of Yesler Terrace, one of the most effective garden-style projects in the country, and also one of the last.
What do you feel are the Occupy movement's biggest successes so far?
Spreading awareness and seeding resistance. There's a lot of growing to do, but I think it's a success in that we are shaking up the banks, too. As far as Seattle, it's a step in the right direction just to be able to feed each other, clothe each other, provide shelter—but I think the actions that took place at Chase Bank and the Sheraton really showed the resolve and sense of commitment among occupiers. It was reported as a riot, but on the ground, it was beautiful. People were not allowing their allies to be arrested. They formed barricades to prevent arrests. They showed police they were in control. Cops didn't know what to do. That's a good sign. 
