|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Reading Time 1 mins
I protest because it is in my blood. I feel the strength of my father and grandfather with each step I take. I feel my voice get stronger as I think of their faces. I realize that they were not only fighting for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren.
As I stand outside yelling, “No Justice, No Peace!” from the very depth of my being I realize that I am not yelling just for myself— I am demanding change for posterity, as well. How can I bring another brown child into this world without trying to make it a better place before they get here? It is my duty to so do.
I remember going to my first baseball game and looking at a sold-out Yankee Stadium. I remember thinking, well, if each one of us decided not to go today, it would be completely empty. If each one of us thought that we were just another number as we took to the streets, then who would be there to fight this battle? Each and every person that attends is crucial. Why protest? How could I not?
#PublicSchools #StudentLed #StudentVoice #blackpower #peacefulprotest #humanrights #endracism #resist #activism #blm #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd #justiceforgeorgefloyd
////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////\\\\\\\\\\
Auguste Leach is a history teacher at Brooklyn Friends School and is passionate about social and political justice. An avid baseball player who trains daily, Auguste lives in Brooklyn and will receive his Master’s in Education this year.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us! We are all proud of you and you set a grand example for all your students.
Yo Auguste! Pops is right – you make us proud. Having watched you grow up and blossom – with brains, brawn and conscience! – warms my soul. Your generation may be the one to take back some semblance of sanity, collective responsibility, and sustainability – of people and planet. Forward ever! A luta continua, young soldier (of peace and justice)! – Mitty
Auguste Leach accurately describes the core reasons for actively participating in current protests that have enveloped the world. Our children, inheritors of a world that is significantly more divided than when my generation assumed the role of protector and guide of the planet, have been placed in an unbelievably challenging position of rectifying outstanding issues, such as inequality and blatant racism in our society. The unification of effort through participation in demonstrations that force one’s voice to be heard, exemplifies the unconditional love we have for our children, and reflects our desire to safeguard them and the world that they are ultimately charged with overseeing.
I am so proud of you cousin! Sending lots of love from Maryland!
Very dope!
If as it has been said in the proverb that once your grandchild is playing in front of your yard you have a great future, then I’m more than comforted and uplifted that with Auguste Leach embracing a ‘duty’ to demonstrate with his father, for social justice and reclamation of our common humanity, Leach and his generation are weaponizing Stokely Carmichael’s words: “Our grandfathers had to run, run, run. My generation’s out of breath. We ain’t running no more.”