Activism provides a platform for Black individuals and communities to demand accountability, advocate for their rights, and effect change. From the civil rights movement to the Black Lives Matter movement, activism has played a crucial role in fighting for justice and equality for Black people. Without activism, the voices and concerns of Black people may go unheard, and systemic inequalities may continue to persist. Through activism, Black people can challenge the status quo, bring attention to issues affecting their communities, and work towards a more just and equitable society.
When the protests for George Floyd started, I knew I had to take action. Me and my best friend lied to our parents and snuck on a train to Newark just to protest for police brutality. Little to our knowledge, we would become powerhouses standing in the front of city hall, our picture and videos making rounds on social media and the news. All I could think about was explaining to my mother how I ended up on the news, an hour away, protesting in a huge crowd. On the way back, we somehow managed to join a small protest that was near New Brunswick Train Station and ended up taking that over as well. As other people saw our posts, many people reached out to me, wishing there were closer protests near our area. Thus, I decided to create my own. With the help of two friends, we created a flyer and began to circulate it around, hoping that at least 20 people would show up. Within two days, I was flooded with messages from people who wanted to show up as well as people who wanted to donate masks, waters, and money to support our cause. What we expected to be a 1.5 mile walk with about 20 people, actually turned into a 6 mile walk to New Brunswick City Hall with over 500 people. Someone told me that they walked from Edison to New Brunswick just to support. We even had someone bring their drum and play it while we chanted. I was truly in awe by the site that I saw, all the people who came to support us. The support caused me to start multiple rallies and protests throughout the summer to encourage the support of the black community with the support of my community.
I pride myself in fighting for my community and strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about helping the black community to fight with us with pride as well. It takes a lot of strength to enact change in America and I hope to inspire others to be the change we want to see. Below are some pictures and videos from the protests and rallies I’ve had.
Photos from: June 2, 2020 Protest (NB Middle School to NB City Hall),
June 9, 2020 Rally (North Brunswick Community Park),
and June 29, 2020 Protest/Rally (NBTHS to NBT Board of Education)
If you want to make difference, head over to http://change.org and do your part in making the world a kinder place!
The Blackosphere 