Student Activism: Alternative Protests

In this three-part series, students show how they are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement this summer. In part two, a group of Northview students organizes a small scale protest at a local middle school to show their support while also protecting against the global pandemic.

Meghana Ramineni, Editor-in-Chief, Grace Peng, Managing Online and Social Media Editor & Jennifer Xia, Editor-in-Chief

Sanjana Gopu and Casey Wong stand six feet apart, posing for their activism campaign.

Photo by Sarah Cato, Special

While some students attend protests led by organizations, others take it upon themselves to organize an event of their own: a small-scale protest on the campus of a local middle school. Rising sophomore Casey Wong and a couple of friends organized an event to share words and take photos which were late shared on social media. Wong cites the pandemic as the main reason their event was on the smaller side.

“With the current circumstances going with COVID-19 and the violent protests with tear-gassing, and rubber bullets, we felt it was safer to do something calmer within our city where we can control the movement and ensure social distancing still happens,” Wong said.

Rising sophomore Sanjana Gopu, another one of the organizers, describes the event that happened in the earlier stages of gatherings held in the Johns Creek community.

“We brought posters that we would’ve taken to protests but instead we took pictures with them, and invited people to do so,” Gopu said. “[The event] really just amplified the movement [and] showed our support even if we weren't able to [attend] protests.”

 Sarah Cato, a classmate who takes on professional photography, took hundreds of photos for the participants to later share on social media along with messages of action and support. While students stopped by with posters and masks, organizers held a moment of silence in the middle and invited some to speak of the injustices. Rising senior Danae Troupe expressed her thoughts through her speech.

“I think it’s always been important to stand up for justice and support those who are oppressed. However, right now is a crucial moment. Because we have so much media coverage as well as everyone acting at once, it feels like so much can be accomplished if we don’t stop pushing,” Troupe said.

Danae Troupe stands with her poster after delivering her speech.

Photo by Sarah Cato, Special

Gopu recalls how they talked about topics such as the privilege of individuals and this community, as well as how this privilege can be used effectively. She hopes that these talks encouraged some people to speak up and use their voices to amplify those of the unheard. The event was meant to provide information and educate others on the resources available to actively support the movement, including donations to organizations. Gopu hopes that through education and having conversations about race, although uncomfortable, one can unwind a whole system of racism within a family.

“People will not stop being discriminatory if they don’t understand why, so it is important to let them know. It is very important to cater to different audiences because not all people will want to listen to the same thing,” Gopu said. “I understand people may not understand what is going on [or] do not think it is their fight. But right now, it is essential that the movement gets as much support as it can.”

Through the event, dozens of students raised awareness, passing it on to each of their own following, some amounting to thousands. As the event catered towards spreading support on social media, Wong criticized those who choose to remain silent.

“I do not see how it is possible to be able to look at what's happening in the world and not be outraged,” Wong said. “It's no longer the standard to not be racist, we must make it clear that we do not tolerate racism on any level. During this time we are basically glued to our phones, so if we continue to share and spread awareness, it will be everywhere and it will reach everywhere.”

Students take pictures as they stop by the protest at River Trail Middle School

Photos by Sarah Cato, Special

Gopu urges members of the Northview community as well as the Johns Creek community to educate themselves and communicate with others. 

“This movement is not a trend. It’s a battle for a community. It completely downplays the real struggles that the Black community faces,” Gopu said.

Wong shares similar sentiment in the need for younger voices like hers and Gopu’s during this movement. She encourages her classmates to work towards changing policy and supporting those who have been racially discriminated against.

“Students who are of age, please register to vote! Please continue to spread awareness because this is such an awful thing that happens way too often, and the system needs reform, starting with the people in it,” Wong said. “We are young and privileged, and we can amplify these voices.”