Milwaukee residents support the protest against DAPL

By Tim Wohlers



On the second day of this month, Milwaukee residents convened for a rally at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to show support in the fight against the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL).  Environmental activist Rod Greengrass coordinated the November 2 rally weeks in advance, and quickly spread the word over social media.  Supporters received notification via Facebook and came by the dozens to take part in the event. 
“It creates awareness of the issue,” Greengrass said.  “A lot of people are ignorant.” 
Greengrass felt that, in light of support rallies which have taken place in many other large cities, the city of Milwaukee needed to hold its own rally in support of the protest against Dakota Access and the company’s plans for a major oil pipeline that people fear will ultimately destroy the surrounding environment.
“I’d seen other major cities do it,” said Greengrass.  “Cities all over the country have been setting up rallies like this to show their solidarity.  It was time for Milwaukee to do something.  And that’s what’s taking place today.” 
The environmental activist has involved himself in rallies such as this for several decades now. 
“I’ve been with the American Indian Movement since the 70s,” Greengrass said.  “I was on the original ’78 Longest Walk.” 
Nearly 40 years later, Greengrass still fights oppression and for the rights of Native Americans. 
“I do it for the cause,” said Greengrass.  “It’s what I’ve done most of my life.  And I’ve done it for the people…and for Mother Earth.” 
The university proved to be an ideal location, as no costs were incurred by holding the rally on campus. 
“I needed to facilitate it some place,” Greengrass said.  “And the university worked out well.” 
By networking with the university’s president of the American Indian Students Association, Greengrass was able to reach a larger audience. 
“We’ve got a pretty big network,” Greengrass said.  “And once the student association jumped on board, we had gotten out the word.” 
Armed with signs and strong opinions, dozens of supporters attended the rally.  There, speakers shared their concerns about the Dakota Access pipeline between song and drum performances. 
“It had sort of fallen into place with all these speakers and the drum group,” said Greengrass.  “And it all worked out well.” 
The weather even showed mercy on those at the event.  Although predicted, rain held off for most of the rally. 
“I was concerned about the rain,” Greengrass said.  “But it all worked out.” 
The rally raised awareness about the dangers imposed by the Dakota Access pipeline, and demonstrated the city’s solidarity against it.  Thanks to that showing, people out west can now see our support in the Midwest. 




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