"Defying All Odds" Protest Reflections

This past weekend, some fellow Winthrop students, affiliates and I made signs for the "Defying All Odds" Black Lives Matter protest.



This was NOT my first protest or march for racial injustices in this country. However, this was different than anything I had done before.

 The protest was organized by 5 inspirational, young individuals from all over the Charlotte area who felt like something needed to be done to make everyone come together on one accord. The Black Lives Matter protests recently were sparked by the deaths of two unarmed Black men a couple of weeks ago. After their deaths, social media, as well as our thoughts about law enforcement, went into chaos. People were angry, frustrated, and most of all exhausted. I felt all those emotions as well; I was tired of talking PERIOD and definitely done arguing with #ALL LIVES MATTER critics. This protest and protests all over the country are great ways to feel like you are a part of a bigger cause and feel that you are taking action. Although that might be great, true action must be taken; in proactiveness, organizing, productivity, etc. So here are my random thoughts and notes I took away from my experience.

1. Join the conversation! I overheard a deep, philosophical, and logical conversation between one of the organizers and a protester. I got super excited because I did not know the younger generation under me (incoming freshmen) were so raw, talented, and ready to do something. This gave me hope in the future generations. It felt good to be around very like-minded individuals who are, like me, done with talking and ready to act.

2.  Prepare for the unexpected. Seeing the "In Case I Get Arrest" info slip of paper my acquaintances handed me before we left was an eye opener. It reminded me that I am, in a way, a soldier for this cause and that if something bad could happen, I needed to take precaution.

3. Have a response ready for any backlash or reactions. Someone yelled at us that "All Lives Matter" and we did not have a response. I think it would have been thunderous of us to have chanted a verbal response to the backlash. I think it would have made a long-lasting impact on that individual and bystanders.

4. Sometimes we do NOT have to chant. We had side conversations, chit-chatted, and got to know one another but did not chant everywhere we went. I think our silent presence spoke louder than our chants would have. It caused us to reflect on that.

5. Thank the ones who are helping the movement and are allies (Embracing Your Allies post coming soon). I saw every single shade of skin color there are in our protest group which composed of about 30 people. I saw Asians, Hispanics, Latinos, Caucasians, and Blacks standing as one to march for a cause bigger than themselves and ready to listen and help. I really admired their bravery and their help. As I said before, it will take an army of everyone to stand up together for racial injustices so that other people will acknowledge their own biases and join the fight. You could feel the love and support as a group.

Please note that this is not my last protest and I might not write about each one. I spoke to the group as we reflected and encouraged everyone to take any type of action and proactiveness outside of protests. Go vote in your local government, sign petitions, start petitions, get to know your councilmen and women as well as your representative, do your research, etc. I am a firm believer that if you want change, it first begins in you; you have to promote it as well. Therefore, I encourage you even as you are reading this blog post to research and use credible sources when using Google. Do not depend on someone else's words or logic. There is so much to be done and so little time on this Earth. Pray, practice self-care, and do not get weary. Stay strong and continue to stand up and speak out.




Sincerely,
AMC