that led up to the day of the protest: “I’m so empowered and happy with the turnout and how peaceful it was. A sophomore, Daniel [Roman] from M-A, was the one behind it all. He thought of the idea and got in touch with the city, the local police department, and the mayor. He set up the RSVP link; he really did it all. I reached out to him and spoke to him about how I organize and lead a lot of chants in many protests around the Bay Area. I told him that I was happy to help out. He said a chant leader would be great.” Shane continued, “I think like I said today when I was speaking, we as white Americans will never experience racism like people of color do, but that being said, we need to come together in unity and show solidarity toward people who have experienced racism. Th is is not just their fi ght, it’s our fi ght too, and justice will not be served to our communities until we do our part, which is being aware and getting involved.” Many M-A students participated in the protest. Junior Hazel Burton-Tillson said “I think we can use our voices to help other people. Th is is a thing that’s impacting more than just black people.” Fellow Junior Maya Kennedy said “I think the protest was really cool. Th e fact that it stayed peaceful and the police were respectful made it even better.” However, not everyone agreed with the merits of the protest. Former M-A student, Miranda Mueller (c/o ‘19) said “In choosing to collaborate so thoroughly with Menlo Park police, the protest organizers negated the purpose of protesting itself: to draw awareness and create inconvenience for those who may not be aware of the issue as a means of building power for a marginalized group of people. Th e protest seemed to acknowledge no elements of radicalism or change, and 6 instead prioritized the inclusion of government offi cials, the very persons who perpetuate and enable police and their violence.” Th e protest was one of many across the nation that expressed frustration at inequalities within our society. As Taylor said, “Our system is not going to change unless we do it together; it needs to be rebuilt.” written by Brynn Baker, Violet Taylor, and Sathvik Nori designed by Amelia Wu and Chloe Hsy photos by Lena Kalotihos
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