PHILADELPHIA, PA- Throughout this controversial Democratic primary process, a sizeable number of protests have been planned for various causes. The purpose is to bring together progressives from all corners of the United States either in support of Senator Bernie Sanders' values, or in condemnation of corporate greed and recklessness.

The protests, which have been undergoing organization for months in advance, are timed with the release of 20,000 Democratic National Committee emails showing the DNC's collusion to weaken the Sanders campaign throughout the past year. These leaks have forced DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to resign her position effective after the convention. This development arose shortly before the marches began. Donna Brazile, DNC vice chair, will act as the chairwoman for the time being.

Protesters march by the thousands in Philadelphia (Sunday, July 24th)

On the Sunday before the DNC was expected to nominate Hillary Clinton as the first female nominee of a major party, buses arrived on the streets of Philadelphia. They brought together thousands of progressives ready for a long week of civil demonstrations. It was a hot day in the city, nearly reaching 100°F at the time of the mile-long march for clean energy. The March for a Clean Energy Revolution was just one of the various demonstrations taking place across the city, and even more across the country.

Organizers of the march provided a list of demands for the protest, including but not limited to: a ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), divestment in fossil fuel expansion, environmental justice for low-income communities and communities of color, and action to invest in clean renewable energy.

Photo of me at the march taken by Vanesa Apaza

The Ramapo community was among the many organizations present. MEVO, the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization, participated in the march, departing from Ramapo College along with members of the Ramapough Lunaape Nation.

The Ramapough Nation have experienced widespread and unproportionate destruction from improper industrial waste management and dirty energy resources. Cancer, illness, and significantly lower life expectancy were the result, which will continue for generations. The proposed Pilgrim Pipeline is expected to continue the devastation of the community, and the ecology of Bergen and Rockland counties.

While most of the protesters were Senator Bernie Sanders supporters expressing outrage over the highly suspicious activity surrounding the primary, the general theme was promoting progressive values to appear on the Democratic Party platform. The Democratic platform may very well be the last chance to achieve party unity. The protester below, for example, holds a sign with a Sanders quote highlighting his criticism of the United States' foreign intervention strategies.

The Fight Continues

Regardless of your political affiliation, Bernie's message is that real change happens when the people stand together. Even if Bernie were to win the nomination and the election, we would still have to do this. If Hillary Clinton wins in November, we would still have to elect progressive candidates in all levels of public service. This did not change. You may feel discouraged, disenfranchised, and defeated after this convention week.

It is critical for us to keep fighting, and to listen to what Senator Sanders has been telling us at every rally over the past 16 months. Campaign for progressive candidates. Make your presence felt and your voice heard at rallies, demonstrations, and town hall meetings. Whichever candidate you support, it is important to get involved, stay involved, and stand up for what you believe in.

If Senator Sanders could win the overwhelming majority of votes from voters under age 45, this is an indication of where the country is headed. Bernie's campaign was mostly about passing the torch to the people. There were almost no expectations that his campaign would achieve what it has. The best thing for all progressives to hear and embrace right now is to keep going.

"Never, ever, lose your sense of outrage." - Senator Bernie Sanders