The Albuquerque community celebrated Channel 27's second Annual Freedom of Speech Day Saturday after Gov. Gary Johnson proclaimed June 1 as Freedom of Speech Day in New Mexico.
The celebration began with a parade west on Central Avenue toward Roosevelt Park where numerous nonprofit organizations and political activists showed their support of First Amendment rights by distributing literature and sharing their positions with the public.
"We're just celebrating the freedom to speak," said John Nicholas of the Albuquerque Free Masons.
Additional organizations attending the celebration included the Arab Jewish Peace Alliance, Youth in Transition, The Vortex Theatre and Surgite Dance Company.
Bonnie Greathouse, Channel 27 training and productions specialist, helped organize a program of individual speakers and performing artists including preteens singing Karaoke and Korean Fan Dancers.
"We try to self-empower citizens to have the freedom to speak out," said Greathouse. She said public access is one of the purest ways to exercise rights.
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Robert Anderson, a UNM professor and Green Party activist, previously volunteered with Channel 27 during a political talk show.
"Citizens have been pressured to give up their freedoms," said Anderson, who attended the celebration.
Greathouse planned for this year to be bigger and better than last year.
"This day will be a release for people who feel inhibited, a day of fun for children," she said.
Children also contributed to the day's festivities through the Albuquerque Public School Freedom of Speech Essay Contest. Approximately 30 students were presented with awards for their essays.
"I hope kids were exposed to what freedom of speech means," said Patti Gladstone, organizer of the essay contest.
Determining exactly what freedom of speech is after Sept. 11 is not exactly child's play.
"Expressing your opinion without official constraint for a redress of grievances is the highest form of patriotism," said Marvin Gladstone, local attorney and Channel 27 volunteer. Gladstone, Patti's husband, personally spoke to Gov. Johnson about making June 1 an official day of celebrating freedom of speech. He plans to request President George W. Bush to follow Johnson's lead in preserving freedom of speech.
