The Eastern Market area has a quiet, bustling pace on a sunny Sunday morning. People are milling about, buying fresh cut flowers and enjoying the peace of beautiful early summer day; their last chance to relax before the chaos of the work week begins. Suddenly a large flatbed trucks zooms about the block with a loud orange and black prison cell strapped to the back. That’s where I and the buzz team comes in. That’s when we break the tranquility of the day. Armed with flyers and wearing equally load Gitmo t-shirts, we line the streets trying to raise awareness to the atrocities going on just outside our borders, and to urge people to take action and attend our event. 
People did not take to our presence well. Dirty looks, blatant avoidance, rude comments…. just a normal day for a dedicated activist. I must say that I was taken aback by the reactions this weekend. I have been to Miami and Philadelphia for the cell tour, and this market was the hardest to break through. Maybe it’s because the people of DC are engulfed by others trying to get their message out. Maybe we gave an unfriendly reminder to the reality of the world on a calm and pleasant day, or maybe some people’s hearts don’t bleed for human rights like ours do. Too many maybes to think of. But in the end it was us that were successful. We spread the word a large amount of people in DC, handing out over 6,000 flyers. For the people who took our flyers and listen to our polite words, thank you.
I must say that this weekend reenergized my motivation to spread the word. To end this avoidance of difficult topics, such as Guantanamo Bay and the violence in Darfur. To keep doing my work, and doing it with my entire heart and soul. It was inspiring to be on the streets with fellow AIUSA activists, who kept a smile on their face and heads held high with every rejection. It was also heartwarming to see pedestrians stop and take interest. On that note, I will see you all this week on the National Mall for the DC cell event because I know all you fellow readers understand my standpoint.
Meghann
