The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Thirty-Five, Concepcion Picciotto’s Peace Tent, by Marin Ekstrom and Mykhaylo Ignatenko

The North Star Project, 2013-2014 Report Number Thirty-Five, Concepcion Picciotto’s Peace Tent, by Marin Ekstrom and Mykhaylo Ignatenko

Most people visit the White House to marvel at the president’s magnificent estate. However, a far more humble residence lies directly across the street in Lafayette Park: the little tent of anti-war activist Concepcion Picciotto. Despite her old age (she is currently in her late seventies) and petite stature (she stands at less than 5 feet tall) she has stood her ground, literally, for over 30 years. Ms. Picciotto and her remarkable life story serve as an extreme testament to fighting for one’s beliefs, “no matter what the cost.”

Concepcion “Conchita/Connie”  Picciotto was born in western Spain, and emigrated to the U.S.A. at the age of 18. After finding work at the Spanish Consulate, she married an Italian businessman at 21. Their birth of their daughter and subsequent divorce  marked a turning…