Occupy Providence Collection

Occupy Providence is one of over 4000 "Occupy" protests across the globe to be inspired by Occupy Wall Street which began in New York City on September 17, 2011. According to the official Statement of Purpose as published on the Occupy Providence website on October 24, 2011, participants sought socioeconomic change "by means of a truly democratic General Assembly." The "Occupy" protests were concerned with furnishing an alternative to corporate and lobbyist-driven politics and with building "a society by, for, and of the people." Occupy Providence is "non-violent, non-destructive, non-discriminatory and harassment-free" and prohibits all drugs and alcohol from the site of the occupation.

Occupy Providence began on Saturday October 15, 2011. Over 1,000 demonstrators, including children and adults of various ages, peacefully marched through Providence before setting up camp at Burnside Park and turning the park into a 24 hour protest. Providence city officials declined a city permit to inhabit Burnside Park at a meeting with protestors on October 13, 2011. More than 100 tents were erected by protestors within the first week. Police did clear traffice for the October 15th march and during the course of the full protest no arrests were made and no acts of violence were reported, however, reports indicate that city officials were considering legal action if protestors did not end the encampment due to concerns for public health and safety. The protest at Burnside Park was suspended in January 2012 although Occupy Providence continued to organize and hold actions in the Park through 2016.