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news · February 19, 2011

protests in madison, wisconsin

Protesters took to the streets of the capital to speak out against Governor Scott Walker's proposal to strip the collective bargaining rights from public worker's unions. Estimates say 40k people turned out Friday, the day I was able to get out there to document this historic moment in the state. You can read more about it on the BBC's website (yup, this is global news).

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

Heading into the Capitol was amazing; the sheer number of people and voices made it LOUD.

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

Walking around the outside of the Capitol, I noticed a large crowd walking around the square. I ran over and jumped in front for some shots when I realized I was standing in front of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. I'll be honest, it was very nerve racking and for a moment I didn't know my shutter button from a hole in the ground.

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

There was a rally at noon and one at five. Waiting around for them to start offered a chance to capture some of the signs in the crowd.

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

Former Senator Russ Feingold showed up to the chants of “Russ for governor.”

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

After the rally at noon, the firefighters (who are not effected by this bill yet are standing with the other unions) marched through the capitol to much fanfare and graditude.

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

The day was very peaceful and non-violent. Even some cops offered hugs to the protesters.

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

I admit, I needed a friend to explain this next one to me (but knew it had to be a good nerdy joke – I love those!)

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

Maybe the best sign of the day (the bright yellow one…)

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

The evening rally was started by a local folk duo leading the crowd in some songs. A few people spoke and then the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke. He called this a “Martin Luther King, Jr.” moment.

madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz
madison wisconsin labor protests by madision wedding and event photographer andy stenz

Regardless of political affiliation or thoughts, this is no minor gathering. Today, Saturday, more people are expected as are a variety of supports for Walker's bill. My prayer is that all sides remain peaceful and graceful, even in the midst of disagreement.

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