Actor Danny Glover leads Capitol rally supporting unions, impoverished workers

To hear Danny Glover tell it, poverty can be a lethal weapon.

The actor-turned-activist spoke at the Capitol steps Monday afternoon about the problems facing impoverished America as part of the Poor People's Campaign, a six-week series of protests across the country aimed at creating a "moral revival." Activists are calling for an end to systemic racism, poverty, voter suppression, ecological devastation and more.

"Even here in Sacramento, the gentrification of our cities (is) pushing poor and working people out of them," the 71-year-old actor said. "We have to vote those into office who are going to do the bidding of those (people)."

Glover asked those in attendance to support teachers and other unionized employees, frequently recounting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work alongside impoverished people.

Glover is known for his roles in movies such as the "Lethal Weapon" franchise, "The Color Purple" and "Predator 2." A Bay Area native, he joined the Black Student Union while studying at San Francisco State and has publicly supported many left-leaning causes.

Protesters flocked from across California to attend Monday's event in Sacramento, shutting down the Capitol entrance and several downtown streets. More than 200 people were arrested across seven state capitals and Washington, D.C., in related rallies, the Associated Press reported.

Benjy Egel: (916) 321-1052, @BenjyEgel

This story was originally published May 14, 2018 at 7:16 PM with the headline "Actor Danny Glover leads Capitol rally supporting unions, impoverished workers."