1199SEIU retirees and leaders were among the 10,000 activists who marched and rallied February 11 in Raleigh, N.C., for jobs, education, voting rights and other justice and equality issues.

The annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HK on J) action, is the largest and broadest gathering of progressives in the South.

“I was impressed by the large number of young people and folks from all walks of life,” said 1199SEIU retiree Clifton Broady, who was among the two busloads of 1199SEIU retirees from the Carolinas who attended the march and rally.

“We felt right at home,” Broady said, “because the HK on J agenda is the same one we 1199ers have always fought for--justice and rights for poor and working people.”

The HK on J coalition represents some 125 organizations in North Carolina and its 14-point agenda reflects those that have inspired the Occupy movements across the country, including ending tax breaks and loopholes for the rich and the large corporations and ensuring economic justice for the 99 percent.

“All of us in this one beautiful human rights movement in this country believe that you don’t breed hatred through division if you are an American,” said NAACP President Benjamin Jealous at the rally near the state legislative building. “You spread love through multiplication.”

The legislature was targeted because both Houses have enacted or are supporting measures to cut funding for education and jobs, and that discriminate against immigrants and restrict voting rights by requiring voter IDs at the ballot box. The legislature has moved to the right since big Republican victories in the 20 10 elections.

Rally organizers said that they hoped the work of the coalition could spread throughout the South and also prevent state legislature from adopting measures such as the anti-immigrant laws that have been enacted in other states. “I came here because I hope we can stop the contagion that’s in South Carolina from spreading to North Carolina,” said South Carolina NAACP President Lonnie Randolph at the rally.

1199SEIU President George Gresham told the rally participants that North Carolina is a crucial swing state in this year’s presidential election. He urged the marchers to vigorously oppose the voter ID bills that are specifically designed to limit the vote for Democrats.

“We retirees in North Carolina will go wherever we’re needed this election year,” Clifton Broady said. “In spite of all that’s happening in our state, we’re optimistic because the rally reflects the changes that are taking place. I’ve noticed that many young whites aren’t blinded by the racism of those that came before them. They don’t think in the old way.”