On Friday January 30th, I walked out of BHSA with 217 other students. At 12:40 pm, students left their classes and gathered outside in 18 degree weather. Even in the freezing cold, our blood ran warm with the spirit of resistance. Some may have assumed that this was simply an excuse for students to miss classes or leave early. But despite the connotations that the words “walkout” and “resistance” may give, this was not an act of defiance or disobedience against the school. It was an action taken in solidarity with those who have been impacted by the unjust actions of ICE. We left school to fight for those who are unable, utilising the empathy that BHSA has instilled in us. Although this protest was not sanctioned by the school, it was clear that pride was taken in our conviction.
As we walked and chanted our way through the streets of Downtown Brooklyn, we joined with protesters from other schools. Students from Brooklyn Tech, Laguardia, UNIS, and Berkley Carroll came together as a community. People cheered and honked car horns in support of our cause, proud of the young students striving to make an impact on the world. We arrived at Fort Greene Park and stood beneath the monument, chanting together and conversing with strangers turned to friends about how we can create change. We marched all the way to Foley Square, where a larger, citywide protest took place.
America is a country that was built on the backs of immigrants. Technically, most of us come from immigrants. I am a child of two of them, and I would not be here if they had not left home for this incredible city halfway across the world. Everyone deserves a place in this country that is supposed to be “the land of the free”. Without immigrants, there would be no “home of the brave,” because their bravery makes the U.S. what it is.
Taking on a leadership role in this march felt daunting. I have led protests before, but something about this walk out was different. I am nearly 18, and the independence of it all is starting to feel real. In this moment, I proved to myself that I am capable of not only having strong beliefs, but of taking action that brings people together. Seeing the number of students that came out in support of those in Minneapolis, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Keith Porter Jr, and the many others who have been hurt by ICE’s actions, was inspiring. It takes bravery to show up and show out, and I am so proud of those who did.