Occupy Atlanta Surveys Public Opinion for Better Society

On April 7th, 2011, Occupy Atlanta distributed the newly drafted Declaration of Rights for the People of Georgia at the Five Points Marta station while surveying public opinion for a better world. This effort was part of the weekly MARTA Outreach Operation coordinated by Daniel Hanley and Misty Novitch. Also participating in the effort were Adam Wadley, and local artist and long-time community organizer Mandie Turner-Mitchell. They were later joined by fellow “occupiers” A.J., Jojo, and Copper Man. The Five Points station is the intersecting point of the Marta metro lines and outside the station, street vendors and street preachers are crowding the sidewalk.

The Marta Outreach Operation requires a great deal of dedication and courage. While Mandie and Adam carried the effort in solo in the neighborhood of the Five Points station, Misty and Daniel were constantly battling with the police over the space where they were allowed to communicate with the public. In the most professional manner, they would comply to police demand to leave the station’s entrance and as soon as they would reach the sidewalk, they would recite out loud THEIR RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

Men with a message

Adam Wadley (left) and Mandie Turner-Mitchell (right)

Daniel Hanley, Misty Novitch, and man with scientific theory about racism

Daniel Hanley and Misty Novitch

Outreach outside Five Points Marta station

Declaration of Rights for the People of Georgia

Outreach preparation

Daniel Hanley with copies Declaration of Rights document

Adam Wadley asking the public their view for a better world

Mandie Turner-Mitchell and Misty Novitch

Man with a message at Five Points

Policeman explaining restrictions at Marta station

AJ holding Declarion of Rights document

Daniel, Jojo, A.J. and Misty

Policeman expelling Misty Novitch from Marta station entrance

Misty Novitch reciting her constitutional rights to free speech

Misty and Daniel continuing outreach effort from crowded sidewalk

Outreach effort continuing under intense surveillance

Enthusiastic support for Occupy Atlanta message

Persistant Misty continuing outreach effort

Misty expelled again from Marta station

Survey on public opinions for a better world

Copper Man joining outreach effort

Mandie Turner-Mitchell conducting public opinion survey for a better world