Blair students join national protest against police brutality

Blair students were among the thousands who gathered in Washington, D.C. on
December 13 to peacefully protest Ferguson and other events of police brutality. Speaker at the
march, one of several nationwide, featured family members of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and
Tamir Rice, as well as many prominent civil rights activists.
Brown, Gardner, and Rice were each unarmed African Americans killed by white police
officers. Blair students joined other marchers at Freedom Plaza, and at around noon, the
protesters began walking down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capital, chanting and singing.
The crowd stopped shortly before the Capital to listen to the speakers.
Sharpton explained the reason for the D.C. protest. Weve come to Washington to call
on Congress and the national government to do what was done before, he said. The family
members then spoke, thanking protesters and sharing their stories. Michael Brown Sr. expressed
his gratitude for the continuing protests. Man, you guys kept this alive. We love yall. We really
do, he said during his speech. Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, spoke about the unity she
witnessed today. Black, white. All races, all religions. This is just a great moment. This is a
history making moment, she said, We will come here as many times as it takes. We will come
here over and over again.
Emily Guthrie, Tigist Tadesse, Jennifer Dominguez, and Daniela Monreal, all Blair
seniors, planned the Blair section of the march. Guthrie had the opportunity to go to Ferguson
shortly after the shooting, and wanted to bring her experiences back to Blair. I wanted to keep
up the fight, I felt like we had to do something, she said. She talked to Tadesse, Dominguez, and
Monreal, and they began meeting to discuss Ferguson. Soon, other students joined them as
interest grew. We created a Gmail so we could talk to people about it, Monreal said.

When they found out about the march, they felt that Blair should be represented. We
made flyers to hand out to people so they knew about it, said Guthrie. They were pleased with
the Blair turn out. It was pretty good, I think like 20 people came, it was a great for a weeks
notice, said Guthrie. They said lots of people emailed them to show their support even if they
couldnt come. I think its a big deal that there are a lot of people who want to support us, says
Dominguez.
Remzi Hazboun, a sophomore at Blair, said he wanted to attend because it was the first
time he and his peers were able to comprehend events like Ferguson. I thought it was important
to support a cause that directly affects us here in the United States. This is also the first issue our
generation has gotten really understand and show support for, he said after the march.
Guthrie, Tadesse, Dominguez, and Monreal want others to take action. They hope to plan
more events with Blair students to protest police brutality, and encourage students to email them.
If anyones interested, dont be afraid, were all fighting for the same thing, Tadesse said.
Guthrie agreed, saying that its especially important for young people to get involved.
Interested students can reach them at mbhsferguson@gmail.com.