feelingbluepolitics:

‘The Moms Are Here’: ‘Wall of Moms’ Groups Mobilize Nationwide

“In the flurry of videos and social media posts that have emerged from the protests in Portland, Ore., activist moms are everywhere. They sing lullabies. They link arm–in–arm, forming a human barricade between protesters and federal agents. Some wear respirators, gas masks and helmets. Some hand out sunflowers.

"On one night of protests last week, they chanted, ‘Feds stay clear! The moms are here!’ On another, they repeated the word, ‘Mama,’ over and over, echoing a final plea from George Floyd, who was killed in police custody in May.

…”[T]he Wall of Moms has continued to protest nightly in Portland, with hundreds of women dressed in yellow to identify themselves as participants turning out. A Wall of Dads has also joined the front lines of the protests, many carrying leaf blowers to redirect the tear gas that federal agents have deployed.

…“More recently, new chapters of Wall of Moms collectives have mobilized across the country, with several turning out at demonstrations on Saturday. A group of about 50 Wall of Moms participants marched in Seattle as clashes between police and protesters intensified, said Christine Edgar, who helped organize the local chapter. One of those arrested, Sonia Alexander, 46, a mother of two, said she was taken to the emergency room after a flash-bang grenade exploded near her leg.

"A delegation in Oakland, Calif., waved large peace signs and marched at the front of a demonstration; one mom carried a sign that read, ‘Schedule: Bath time, Bed time, Fight fascists, Defend Black lives, Repeat.’

…"Wall of Moms groups in Missouri, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Chicago and Maryland are reaching out to local activists.

…"Gia Gilk, 45, a mother in Albuquerque, N.M., started a Facebook group to organize a local Wall of Moms chapter last week, thinking she would attract 30 or 40 members. Within 24 hours, she said, almost 3,000 moms had signed up. ‘I’ve never done anything like this before,’ said Gilk, about coordinating the group. ‘I just think it’s time for us to finally stand up.’

"The Wall of Moms exists to protect and amplify protesters, organizers say. An official online ‘tool kit’ (designed by the group in Portland) for starting a Wall of Moms chapter, stresses that groups should reach out to local Black Lives Matter and racial justice organizations. Wall of Moms members are directed to take cues from local activists: to not speak at protests unless they’re asked, and to donate any funds raised to Black-led organizations.

…”“Black moms are leading this,’ said Jennifer Kristiansen, 37, a lawyer and Wall of Moms member who was arrested during a Portland demonstration. ‘Moms didn’t just show up a couple nights ago. Black moms have always been there.’”