Dozens of scholars left their lecture rooms to put nonetheless within the Dorchester intersection of Columbia Road and Washington Street on Wednesday afternoon — a hanging imitation of loss of life meant to attract consideration to the looming risk of violence of their communities.
“This die-in was done so we can grab your attention,” 15-year-old Brooke High School scholar Aniyah stated in a speech to a crowd gathered. “We don’t want to keep losing our community members to violence. It could be me. It could be you. It could be any of us.”
The “Die-In” protest, organized by Teen Empowerment Boston and native teenagers, began round midday Wednesday with a walk-out from college and gathering on the intersection.
Protestors laid on the street for about 5 minutes and marched via the street to close by Fenelon St. Playground, listening to speeches and performances from teenagers and native nonprofit leaders.
The concept for the die-in got here out of conversations with over 300 teenagers from the world, who recognized gun violence as one of many largest points effecting their lives, stated Teen Empowerment Program Coordinator Fiona Phie.
“Last night I was on the phone with a mother who has lost her child,” stated Phie. “It’s really significant that we have programs like this so that it doesn’t get to that point where there’s conflict, there’s beef, and there’s violence in the community. We need intervention and prevention.”
Organizers cited three important calls for: unification amongst group members, restorative justice packages in all public faculties and elevated give attention to allocating assets to violence intervention and elevated group involvement/engagement in battle decision, mediation, and non-violent communication.
Student audio system additionally weighed in on the favored dialog about restoring police and implementing extra steel detectors in BPS faculties, pushing again on security ways that “criminalize” college students.
“What really resonated with me is the over-policing in schools, the criminalization of students,” stated 17-year-old protest attendee Bryant. “That really touched me on a personal level because I’ve experienced it firsthand. We need change.”
Students had been supported by audio system from Massachusetts Advocates for Children and Citizens for Juvenile Justice, who spoke about psychological well being and restorative justice helps in faculties to maintain youngsters secure.
“What’s real safety?” stated Leon Smith, govt director of CfJJ. “Real safety is meeting the needs of our young people where they are, getting what they need when they need it.”
The occasion additionally showcased younger dancers and rappers with the group, performing items with messages in opposition to violence.
Phi stated the group is planning extra occasions associated to the Ceasefire Initiative going ahead all through the summer season to carry the group collectively behind the trigger.
“Anything less than peace is unacceptable,” Aniyah advised the group.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”