About 2 nights ago, I participated in another action but this one was different. It was an experience that truly redefine the Dignity at Darden into something bigger.
It started at around 4:30 p.m. There were about 70 people in front of Capital Grill. A lot of them came from other parts of Chicago. Some of them are part of other organizations and church groups around the city. We started to protest for about five minutes and then people gathered to hear stories from the R.O.C and many other organizations in the hot, late afternoon sun.
Afterwords, me and a few other people started a big line to march the sidewalks of downtown chicago. We were holding a banner that was as big as the issue it was written about. It said "Raise the Minimum Wage": A simple yet very powerful message. We walked down North Michigan Avenue in a gigantic line on the heated sidewalk. As we walked down the avenues, poeple were whatching us wondering why we went through all the trouble to walk down the street chanting "raise the minimum wage". A lot of people were shocked of what they saw but I think we got the message across that people working for minimum wage are not surviving as well as other people. It is true that I might end up working for minimum wage for a long time some day, but I not only do I want to survive but thrive and progress through the culinary world. That is why I joined the R.O.C and participated in the actions, because I belive that the resturant industry can improve and become something greater than anyone can imagine.
During the march, I also got a chance to use the megaphone for the first time. It was one of those opportunities that I know that I could never do it again for a long time. I kept the crowd excited and chanting to not only keep everyone spirits up in the extreme heat but to make it fun and memorable. Just because someone is fighting against something serious dosn't mean you can't have fun with presenting your material. Sometimes to point out a serious issue, you need enthusiasm on the subject to know that you believe in it and to show that you care. It sounds a little silly but it does work.
I must admit though, speaking through a megaphone does give you a certain power that you voice becomes powerful and it does help people get the message across, figuratively and literally.
As we reached our destination (the AOI building), all the other groups in supporting the raise of minimum wage march were finnally combined together and speeches were made to support our cause. After the speeches, there was a little skit were there was a limbo contest against the rich and the other workers who work for minimum wage. Of course the actors potraying the rich simply walk under the stick while the poor had to struggle to get through. Although after that performence, everyone got a chance to play some limbo and some fun. After the limbo everyone went home afterwords from the long afternoon of raising thier voices and spreading our message through out the city. It was tiring but it was an experience I will never forget and one of the best actions I have been to.
That is my story of "The March". Before I say a-do, I do have some news I wish to share. I am currently working on my first "cookbook" project. I am not really going to give full detail yet but it is something that could not only further my career as a chef and food writter but to also bring my own creativity to the world as my own. So that is all I wanted to say for now. Until next time, I bid all of you a-do.
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