Occupy Wall Street, The No Kings Movement, Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives are just some of the grassroots movements that have formed in the U.S. within the last 15 years, capturing global attention, participation and action. 

Mshairi Siyanda says she has spent most of her adult life serving her community through locally organized efforts. She currently serves as an organizing member for the Atlanta People’s Campaign. She’s also a lead organizer for the Movement for Black Lives, which Siyanda describes as a national ecosystem of over 100 individuals and organizations. These movements became important to her after growing up in an Atlanta neighborhood that struggled economically, and after experiencing uncomfortable and changing local attitudes about Black wealth after the 1996 Olympics.  

Now, to invoke change in the community, the Atlanta People’s Campaign has organized an assembly for Saturday, March 14. The promotion for this assembly states: “Atlanta officials have ignored our voices for too long — but we refuse to be silenced. When those in power deny us a seat at the table, we build our own.”

Siyanda is welcoming anyone in Atlanta to bring their concerns for the community to this gathering — whether it be gentrification, income inequality, public safety, high utility bills, school closures and more. She says neighbors will get a chance to meet neighbors to discuss problems and work on action steps. 

Siyanda joined host Rose Scott on Wednesday’s “Closer Look” to discuss the upcoming gathering and her hope for community-focused solutions. She said while elected lawmakers have not been invited, they are welcome to attend as participants. This is Atlanta’s third People’s Movement Assembly. Siyanda says the crowds have grown larger each time, and they hope to reach at least 13,500 people in the city. The event will also include free food and childcare. 

NOTE: The People’s Movement is an underwriter of WABE.