On Oct. 18, crowds gathered in East Chula Vista for the ‘No Kings’ protest, which took place across many U.S. states and cities, including San Diego. Among the tens of thousands of San Diegans who attended these protests, some consisted of BVH students. The ‘No Kings’ Protest was a nationwide demonstration showing discontent with the current presidential administration’s policies and actions. Those out on the streets made it clear they would not be ruled by a “king” nor “dictatorship.”
As the protest was occurring, the BVH Speech and Debate team simultaneously had a tournament, in which a few students decided to take the little free time they had to attend this protest. Among these students were seniors Alexandra Scott and Audrey Oani, junior Michael Finch and sophomore Angeliah Clark. Clark believed that attending this protest was something that aligned with her values and thus influenced why she wanted to attend.
“In Speech and Debate, one of our main values is to practice advocacy, and I think [the message of the ‘No Kings’ protest] is something I should be advocating for during this time. The protest was very peaceful and empowering for me,” Clark said.
Throughout the protest, the energy was high, everyone was holding up signs, cars were honking and protesters were chanting. A prominent aspect BVH students recognized was that they were some of the only ones of their age, 15 to 17, who were there.
“One of the main things the people told us when we were there was that ‘there are not enough people your age coming out.’ I think it is important for people our age to show that we are involved and care” Scott said. “It is important to be literate on what is going on in our country because anyone here at BVH in the next four years is going to be able to vote. It is important that young faces are represented because we are the future of this country and our opinions matter too.”
Finch was welcomed by the same environment and was even surprised to see other BVH students and people aware of Speech and Debate at the protest. Although, during his time there, he was also met with opposition from those who did not stand for the protest.
“We met many people connected to our very own Speech and Debate community,” Finch said. “One person graduated in 2017 from our team and multiple mothers of past BVH alumni. We were told of future protests that would happen and were urged to show our support. Although, in one instance, we were told by a man in a white van to ‘go back to Mexico,’ which we did not let waiver our determination as we all knew it was just a racist comment.”
Upon arriving at the event, these BVH students felt motivated by the atmosphere that was created while protesting. Scott had been wanting to attend a political protest in the past and would ensure that she would despite the limited time she had to do so.
“I want[ed] to do my part in making sure I stick up for the people who need it most–for the people who are at a disadvantage and for the people who cannot stick up for themselves,” Scott said. “It was really important to me to get out there and have people know that they are seen, they are heard and they matter.”
Scott continued by mentioning what she believes the state the U.S. is in and why it is so important to remain strong as a community. She also discussed the significance of protesting with fellow advocates.
“I think protesting shows support in a time when people are feeling isolated and separated from each other,” Scott said. “One of the most important parts of America is its diversity. We are a melting pot for different cultures and communities. Seeing all of these different people showing up on a Saturday and committing their time to go to a protest really shows that we are still united despite the fact that we are trying to be divided.”
Many other BVH students like Finch feel the absence of youth within protests and as advocates. He recognizes the importance of being educated and what protesting symbolizes.
“I wanted to show my support because I felt it was relevant to modern times,” Finch said. “Our government is slowly being stripped of its democratic systems by those at the top of our government. Especially being a part of a younger demographic, I felt like it was necessary for people to see that young people not only care, but also support a movement for our freedoms. I do not want to grow up in a society with a government more restrictive than the one before me.”
Overall, all the Speech and Debate students who attended the protest urged BVH students to educate themselves and push for political causes. Clark feels that an educated public will not only improve society, but the future.
“It is important for the youth to be involved in our country because that is our future,” Clark said. “Our future should be something we prioritize and fight for, because if no one fights for it right now, who will?”
