We met some really great people volunteering for the Mike Honda campaign. Among them is our new friend, Courtney. She sent us an email a couple weeks ago to tell us about
Students4Ferguson, "a national organization that empowers students to get involved in issues of civil liberties, educating students in the protection of their civil rights and engaging in an active discussion of issues regarding race, civil rights, and police brutality." She asked us to help her reach out to individuals and organizations who might be interested in joining in coalition with them and attending their upcoming gathering.
Students4Ferguson is an activist group organized by five high school and college students following the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown and the decision not to indict the police officers who killed them. Synchronized rallies were organized in Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Jose at libraries and city halls. An article written by Elisabeth Siegel, Winged Post News Editor for The Harker School (private High School), Following no indictments in cases of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, student organization to conduct rally at city hall on Sunday illuminates the amazing young activists spear heading this organization.
Last Sunday's program included a peaceful walk through San Jose, speeches by community leaders and activists, card signing for Ferguson protesters who had been arrested, and spoken poetry. The candle light vigil and 4 1/2 minute die in for Mike Brown, who remained on the street for 4 1/2 hours after he was killed, was beyond moving. This type of action has the means to coalesce a community with peace and compassion. Students, families, and activists still and silent; sitting, standing, lying down, together, as one. One human family.
Below are some of the photos we took from the event. Next week I'll highlight one of the young activists, Ruth Bizuneh, who contributed an emotionally powerful poem. She captivated me and agreed to allow me to share it here.
San Jose City Council Member Ash Kalra speaks to students about racial justice.
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