On September 17^th, 2011, Occupy Wall Street blossomed into frivolous existence in Manhattan’s financial district, sparking what many called a possible “American Spring.”

In the next few months, hundreds upon hundreds of cities and towns across the world followed suit, setting up encampments in parks and public spaces, staging protests and vigils, marches and demonstrations, and caring for the homeless via the creation of shelters and ad hoc soup kitchens. Albany played host to one of these occupations, which set itself up in Academy Park, a stone’s throw away from the majestic capitol building. Public support for the movement at this time ranged from moderate (25%-19% approve-disapprove, according to a Gallup poll for October 15-16) to high (59% completely agree or mostly agree with protesters, according to a National Journal poll taken in mid-October).

However, this apparent vivacity did not last. Police conducted raids to tear down the camps, many of which were accompanied by indiscriminant acts of violence. Court actions between protestors and municipalities have ensued, public support has tentatively waned, and the mainstream media has all but pronounced them dead. But many core groups of protestors have stayed faithful to the movement’s original tenants. In the case of Occupy Albany, 472 Madison Avenue quickly has become a new home. Biweekly General Assemblies are held, working groups continue their unique struggle, and revolutionary intellect is shared at every possible moment.

Contrary to what many believe, this movement is not gone. It is alive and well, flourishing under the same concepts of compassion and solidarity that it held to at its advent. This acute example of tenacity will reach the one-year mark on Sunday, October 21^st.

Among the planned events in and around the birthday weekend are:

• Friday, October 19^th: 7pm Screening of the film “Inside Job” at 472 Madison Ave
• Saturday, October 20^th: 11am Open House at 472 Madison Ave., 3pm General Assembly
• Sunday, October 21^st: 11:30 meet at 472 Madison Ave., 12pm march to Academy Park, music, food, speak-outs, etc. till 3:30, autonomous actions to follow
• Monday, October 22^nd: 5pm-7pm candlelight vigil starting in Academy Park and moving to the Capital building

The fuel of revolution is necessity. And the present inevitability is more apparent than ever. With corporate profits surpassing their pre-recession record high, unlimited and anonymous spending towards political campaigns swiftly becoming the norm, and partisan polarization at its highest point in decades, drastic change is feasible. It is a matter of time before we find who will benefit from such a radical paradigm shift.