Bridging the Health Care Gap Rally
June 19, 2004
photos by Bob Roman
After a tour of the lakefront to build attendance, the Rally's marching band brings it home. This Juneteenth rally was part of a national day of action against the growing gap in health insurance coverage.
Former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean addresses the rally.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky tells of sleazy doings in Congress.
Many unions sent delegations to the rally.
Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon addresses the rally.
The event received support from a broad cross section of the labor movement, but SEIU's Central Region deserves a great deal of credit for organizing work. Note the SEIU colors used on the banner backing the stage.
Well over 1,000 people attended the rally, though there were probably no more than 800 or so camped out south of the Lincoln Park Zoo at any one time.
DSA member (among his myriad other affiliations) Dr. Quentin Young serves as one of the MCs of the program. He has a good bit to say on his own account as well. SEIU's Carole Travis also did MC duty.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. addresses the rally. Interestingly, he spent a good bit of his time on the topic of gun control.
State Senator Miguel del Valle was the final speaker. He had bitter words about the failure of his own party to deliver on the promises it made two years ago, despite the fact it runs the Illinois government.
It was a spectacularly beautiful day for a rally!