The Black Lives Matter Movement: Honor Students Working for Change
June 22, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests have taken the nation, and world, by storm. Outraged by the murder of George Floyd, people have been gathering to the streets in order to protest police brutality and the unjust treatment of the black population. There have been protests seen in all fifty U.S States, as well as in Western Europe, Africa, South America, Mexico, Australia, and parts of Asia. Though some protests have turned into violent riots, the majority (at the request of George Floyd's family) have been peaceful.
Many UAF Honors students have taken an active role in the movement, working towards a future of equality and equity. Honors student Kahryn Buchanan attended a peaceful march in Kodiak, Alaska, carrying a sign depicting a quote by Desmond Tutu: "If we remain neutral in situations of injustice, we have chosen the side of the oppressor." Honors student Feyne Elmore attended a peaceful protest with 60,000 people in Houston, Texas. Feyne says, "from the beginning, the marchers were determined to remain peaceful. The family came on the speaker and said 'I want to make this very clear. This is a peaceful march and a peaceful rally...If you're here to honor this family in the correct way, then that's what we're going to do...Keep your eyes open for instigators. If you see someone trying to damage the integrity and humanity of what we stand for here today, point [them] out!' The moment was extremely powerful. Along the streets, police officers and civilians alike were handing out waters, masks, and snacks to keep everyone safe."
Many Honors students, such as Ray Alda, Garrett Taylor, Madeline Andriesen, Zach Keith, and more, articipated in Blackout Tuesday, a social media event planned by the music industry to protest racism and police violence in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, by dedicating social media posts to spread awareness.
The photos mostly consisted of a solid black screen followed by links to more information and places to donate. Others, such as Saoirse Bogart, continue to post their support and their steps to action. In these ways, Honors students are helping to shape history and standing up for a just world.
To learn more about the Black Lives Matter Movement and how you can help, visit the following spreadsheet: https://tinyurl.com/y9zjzhxf