Thoughts on Protest

Generally, when I sit down to write to you, I have one whole complete thought, an idea that I want to unpack. I like sitting with you and walking across the nuances of an idea. Feeling its edges and wondering what we missed.

But today, I have only fragmented thoughts. And I may start sharing more fragments. They are incomplete. They are less an exploration and more observation. They are tapping my finger on just one pointy edge of an idea. But I think these fragments matter too.

On Protest

The student encampments have me absolutely fascinated. Having worked in higher ed, I am quite aware of the number one word used in student life- safety. It’s such a huge part of the job as you wrangle, guide, lead or watch these young people become adults right before your eyes. Keeping them safe is real work. And so I actually understand what a huge deal it would be to have students sleeping outside on the campus in encampments. As a former Resident Director that honestly makes my heart race. It’s not safe.

And that’s why it is so brave and stubborn and important that there seems to be a wave of these student encampments successfully negotiating their demands. It’s really beautiful.

[Photo of Syracuse University student encampment captured by Brycen Pace of the Daily Orange, run by SU students]

We have forgotten.

I think we sometimes confuse “a march” and “a protest” because a march could be a protest, but it isnt always. In the sixties a march was often used to push forward legislation (like voting rights, for example). The organizers knew that a march would often result in violence, in eruption, in police presence, in controlled crowds- in a headache for leaders of the neighborhood, city, county, state, and sometimes even the leader of the nation.

But lately, marches have no demand. They are simply about showing up with a sign. Sometimes they are at least about raising awareness about an issue (say police brutality), but even this isnt a given. These days a march can have no protest value at all- just some folks gathering together “in peace”.

These students have returned to protest- to saying I am going to do this thing that is unsafe (putting my body on the line) until my demands are met. its inspiring.

On Police:

As a Black person I know all about the police- the violence of the state- being unleashed on protestors. And I know that if it is acceptable to do so to peaceful, adult, protesters- it will be used to squelch anyone. Including kids.

I know it can be hard to think about college students as kids. Because we send them away to school at 18, we often call them adults. But if you have met an 18 year old, you know they are still kids- they are becoming adults. They are practicing. They are trying. They are making decisions that will shape adulthood. But they are still very much walking around on new legs, trying to find their balance.

They are strong. Dont get it twisted. They are becoming themselves. Many of them enter adulthood beautifully.

And. I cannot imagine watching my students being met with police force. It would absolutely break my heart- even though in America it is expected.

Before the wave.

Before the wave of concessions and negotiations and wins, there was an awful lot of talk about donors and money. There is always is. This is not specific to university campuses. But for some reason, watching the student encampments (particularly those seeking divestment) made this question crystal clear: who are these universities for?

The answer seems obvious. Universities are for students. But are they? Do universities exist for the power they yield to communities where they are located? Do they exist for the power it gives donors to feel important and set policy? Do they exist for the staff and administration as places that employ?

It is amazing to me that we exist in a world in which students would say, “this is important to us” and the response could be “so what”… we have other interests.

And it is a phenomenon that is re-created in many organizations. Does social services really exist for the poor? Do churches really exist for its congregation members? Do non-profits actually exist for their clients?

We want the answer to be yes. But often, the decision to ignore their voices would suggest not.

Last thought.

Have you seen the video of Angela Davis addressing one of the student encampments? It almost brought tears to my eyes. She has been talking about justice for Palestine for such a long time- literal decades. her invocation of June Jordan (a person I didnt have the honor of meeting but who stands tall in my own life) made my heart do a little flip. It’s easy to imagine how Angela wishes June could witness this moment. And her final words: “If Palestine can be free, the world can be free.” My. My. My.

We have a long way to go, but the kids are leading the way.

**** Just a few quick notes!

1. This summer I may start sending out this newsletter every other week. I turned in the first draft of my next book (yaaay) but now begins the work of editing it (insert wide eyes here). Fingers crossed to have it completed and turned in during September.

2. I am working on expanding ACB academy! This fall you will find a new class on allyship, that you can take on demand. Cant wait to bring it to you!

3. Did you hear I have a podcast in the works?! Here is the announcement!