Going into the multi-issue day of action, I truly did not know what to expect. There were several tables set up and lots of people gathered around them. Walking around campus from day to day, I had usually seen other speakers or people taking action for some cause, but I had never participated or listened to them. When I got to the free speech area, I signed in and grabbed a sign that was already made. It was supporting the cause for the university strike and it said "Fight for Five" with the hashtag "I stand with faculty." However, there were so many other signs to choose from that were for awareness of issues such as animal abuse, human trafficking, and food insecurity. I would have held a sign for all of the issues if I could, but I feel strongly about the topic that I chose. My professors have informed me about how they are frustrated about not having had an increase in pay for a long time, and five percent is not too much to ask for. In fact, there is a huge possibility that they are going to go on strike for a week in April because of it. Aside from that, the first thing that happened when I arrived at the free speech area was I listened to a few songs that were sung by the Raging Grannies. The Raging Grannies surprised me because when they were standing by the tent prior to performing, I had thought that they were quiet and soft-spoken ladies. However, they proved me wrong when they sang their songs that were in response to things that have been said by people, politicians, or other things that they disagree with. They are fun to listen to because they feel strongly for what they believe, they are passionate and also hilarious. After they finished singing, the march led by Doctor Kubal began. This had to be my favorite part as there was a huge sense of unity amongst the participants, even though I had never met any of them before that event. We walked around campus for about 45 minutes and one of the places we marched was on the sidewalk along Shaw, where some cars honked to show their support. We also went by the dorms and over by the South gym and then ended back where we started at the free speech area. This was such a great and fun experience! The participants were chanting and holding their signs and those who supported the "Fight for Five" just like me were chanting, "when do we want it?" and we all yelled in response, "now!" It was also great how everyone had so much energy and they were all helping each other's chants regardless of the sign that they were holding up. This was just an awesome experience that I was even able to make new friends out of, and I will without a doubt participate in another event or march like this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment