Next move for Occupy Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - It has been two months since demonstrators began "occupying" cities across the nation, protesting greed in corporate America.

Just a week ago, six Occupy Norfolk protesters were arrested after they tried to re-enter their campsite, after the city did not renew their camping permit.

This week the City of Virginia Beach denied Occupy Virginia Beach's request for a campsite. Despite recent obstacles, the group's messages are direct and to the point.

"We need to be able to get credit. We need to be able to have health insurance. We need to be able to have
transportation if we don't own a vehicle. We need to have access to education and jobs," Occupy Norfolk supporter Sheri Bailey said.

The images of the nationwide demonstrations are reminiscent of protests of the past.

Dave Potvin, with Occupy Norfolk, said, "The people, the 99 percent, are fed up with the one percent running the show. People want real democracy and we're going to get it."

A political observer admits the group hasn't been shy about putting its message for change out there.

Norfolk State University Associate Professor Dr. Carol Pretlow said, "You need to get out there talk and communicate. Even if everybody doesn't agree with you, at least they will hear your perspective and from that perspective bridges are built and I think that's what we've learned from them.

Pretlow 's waiting to see what the communities, politicians and voters will do with the group's message.

Occupy supporters are expected to take part in a "Day of Divestment" in Downtown Norfolk Friday in protest of big banks. Supporters will urge people to move their money from big banks to small banks and credit unions.