Students speak out about National Walk Out
Of all the protests that I have participated in since the election this was the biggest one yet.
At 3:00 PM on Wednesday, students and faculty from SU and ESF walked out of class to peacefully protest.
This march began in front of Hendricks Chapel then went through College Place, the promenade, and up some hills and then ended at ESF campus. It was remarkable to be apart of this protest and see so many faces as well as hear many of them speak.
“To be a part of such a large group, marching in unison makes you feel less alone and empowered to make a change,” said Television, Radio, and Film Major Josue Munoz. “Today, I was reminded that there’s still work to do” like “Let’s change legislature and make art, lets create interruptions in the flow of monotony and make people think,” he continued. Munoz was one of the many photographers there who took out his camera looking for moments to capture because he felt that it was very important to document a protest such as this one.
Other students allowed the posters that they held to speak for them. This, too, was empowering because you could feel where they were coming from.
Senior Sociology and Spanish Major Daisia Glover shares that she was “reminded in the power that we as young educated people have to effect change and if we continue to mobilize throughout several aspects of our daily lives then we will see change.” She mentions that she felt very nervous speaking up there in front of such a large crowd, but that’s where she realized how important it was to use her voice in order to continue inspiring and educating others.
Junior Forensic Science and Chemistry Major Angel Atkinson was pleasantly surprised with the protest’s turnout. “I did not expect so many people to show up who feel the same way I do. I love seeing everyone willing to support each other.” She participated in the Walk Out because she feels like “this is the time for us to back up what we say with action.”
Sophomore Film Major Julia Rome said that she was driven to attend this protest so that she could “stand up against the hate that this election has brought to the surface.” In conversing with Julia she mentions how important is to “unite using love and to listen to people who’s voices have been muted for much of American history.” She addresses how proud she feels to be an SU student and how she feels comfort in knowing that we can build a community through protests such as this one held today.
I could not agree more with all of these individuals who shared there experiences of the protest with me. Throughout the entire march my friends and I never let go of each other and I find comfort in that. Today truly reminded me that people care about and that my friends are there to hold on to me when I need them the most.