Against the backdrop of the drama that unfolded at Occupy Wall Street in New York City, an eviction threat from Mayor Mitch and a visit from Rev. Jesse Jackson, the public glare was once again cast on Occupy New Orleans last week. Inside the camp, the sudden return of the spotlight prompted an urgent desire for unity among the factions that have segmented themselves around Duncan Plaza. 

Each night after the sun goes down over the Occupy NOLA encampment at Duncan Plaza, New Orleans police closely patrols the park’s perimeter. The cops either cast searchlights on a loud ruckus that springs up from the grassy area outside City Hall, or wait for a call for help from within.

As the cold front rolled in this week, those Occupying Duncan Plaza huddled closer into smaller groups, ideologically and physically moving tents into separate clusters.

The plot of land outside the City of New Orleans' seat is now into her second week as occupied territory. In Duncan Plaza, across the street from City Hall, about 100 protesters have constructed a self contained tent city, and taken up residence in solidarity with the national movement that sprung from Occupy Wall Street. Coalescing around the gazebo, which has been renamed Duncan Center, the encampment now has its own library, cafeteria, composting restrooms, amphitheater, and security force. Days are divided into working group sessions and chores that keep the space running.

Occupy New Orleans began its demonstration Thursday at noon. The group chose Orleans Parish Prison as the location to begin its march. This decision reflected the risk that some of the movement’s protestors may have ended their participation there.