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Saturday, March 24, 2018

6 Minutes and 20 Seconds that Could Change the World

So proud of our youth participating in the national March For Our Lives march in Washington, D.C. throughout the U.S., Austin included. They are taking responsibility for the sins of our generation—or, should I say, of many generations?  Note one of Parkland High School student leader, Emma Gonzalez', incisive comments captured in The Nation:
The movement, Gonzalez tells reporters, “is probably gonna be years, and at this point, I don’t know that I mind. Nothing that’s worth it is easy. We’re going against the largest gun lobby. We could very well die trying to do this. But we could very well die not trying to do this, too. So why not die for something rather than nothing?”
I encourage all to see her moving, powerful speech here, too.  These young people really do see the bigger picture. They are making connections, for example, to inner-city violence and how race makes it invisible with attention going to the privileged in U.S. society, themselves included—all of which is objectionable to them (see their recommended changes to policy here).

Based on this story (see below), it seems that the Parkland youth are connecting the movements, realizing that there is strength in numbers and organizing, the power in social media, and voice.   They remind me of the DACA students and other youth involved in environmental justice struggles across the country and world.


As for gun violence and the policies that feed it, the curtains have been pulled down.  Things have come into focus, not the least of which is our future as a society.  Their future is our future and they have a clear stake in it.  And we are all the better for it.  Press on! P'alante!


Angela Valenzuela

c/s

6 Minutes and 20 Seconds that Could Change the World

Thanks to young people, especially those of color, this time might be different.



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