LATELY...

It has been entirely too long since I have blogged. Lately, there has been an overwhelming number of police related violence towards people of color. At our university, there has been many people coming together to fight against this. The group UC Students Against Injustice along with other students are working together as a catalyst of change. So far, there has been a die in, where people lay on the ground with signs and don't speak, and trips to local demonstrations. I am so proud to be a bearcat. Although there are many, many skeptics and naysayers, this is the beginning of a revolution.




Cincinnati, along with other urban cities, has been ground zero for heinous acts of police brutality. We, as a city, are responding. Aside from public demonstration, the Peasley Center hosted a Teach-In. This was intense and had the feel of a RAPPORT meeting only amplified. This was my first Teach-In ever and I feel connected. It was like being plugged into a new system. Each person came from their own world with their own understanding of the system. World-view: POWERFUL. The fact that we all brought a piece of our world here for the same reason is enough to cause chills. 

So, the question is this: WHAT CAN WE DO TO FIX A BROKEN SYSTEM?

The first thing is to stay engaged. Social change is in our reach but we have to first engage in grass-root discussions to know what is being done and what can be done.

1) Service-Work with grass-root organizations to meet the basic needs of others and yourself.
2)Activism- Force others to see you and why your issues matter.
3)Community/Education- Involve the people who are effected the most. Educate everyone of the laws but also listen to what the people want and need. Make information available for everyone.
4) Advocacy- Bring together every person and every world view to create one voice to empower the powerless.
5)Public Policy-Realize that all policies come from people standing up for their beliefs.

We can do this. My challenge to you is this: Challenge the mythical norms and see beyond the surface. If you feel that an injustice is being done, speak out and if you don't see the problem; look again.

Well that's my rant for today. Stay connected

-Ali