A day in photos: Thousands of charter school advocates rally in Albany

The “Don’t Steal Possible” rally – organized by charter school sector advocates – brought thousands of people to the state Capitol Wednesday to call attention to the city’s struggling schools, according to advocacy group Families for Excellent Schools, the event’s organizer.

Parents, students and teachers from dozens of schools, many of which were within the Success Academy charter school network, were joined by elected officials, a Grammy award-winning artist, an Olympic gold medalist basketball player, and many others.

View our live coverage of the rally Wednesday and catch up on the issues that prompted the event.

The “Don’t Steal Possible” rally was attended by thousands of people – most were Success Academy charter school students and parents – according to advocacy group Families for Excellent Schools, the event’s organizer.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul attends the “Don’t Steal Possible” rally.
State Senate majority leader Dean Skelos and Senate Independent Democratic leader Jeff Klein, both of the Bronx, attended the “Don’t Steal Possible” rally, along with thousands of parents, students and teachers Wednesday in front of the state Capitol. (Geoff Decker/Chalkbeat)
Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz attends the pro-charter school rally organized by Families for Excellent Schools in Albany Wednesday. (Geoff Decker)
Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star Lisa Leslie addresses the crowd at Wednesday’s rally organized by charter school advocates.
New York City Charter School Center CEO James Merriman applauds speakers at Wednesday’s rally.
Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., of the Bronx, stands among students on the steps of the state Capitol.