Protest (verb) - to make a formal declaration of opinion and usually of objection or complaint
Upper Elementary has come into contact with this idea in several ways recently. We just wrapped up our reading of Kate Di Camillo's, "The One and Only Ivan". In the story, which is based on true events, people protest the conditions of the animals living in captivity at a mall, on display for people to pay to visit. They bring signs and chant their strong objections. In the story and in real life, this brings about change for the animals, a move to a zoo.
Last week, we went on a field trip to the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. We saw the production of "Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott". We were able to see how a group of people coming together can make a difference and change the system. Despite loss of wages and violence, the bus boycott was one of the first events that started the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's.
October 9th was Indigenous People's Day. We discussed a lot of important ideas including what it means to be indigenous, colonization and discrimination. We also saw photos of people carrying protest signs that countered the idea and celebration of Columbus Day and his "discovery" of America. Berkeley, California in 1992, was the first region to recognize the holiday, Indigenous People's Day. President Biden formally recognized the holiday in 2021 and was the first U.S. President to do so.
Another connection to our engagement with the idea of "protest" will come this week during SWI (Scientific Word Investigation). We will look at the origins of the word.
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.”
― William Faulkner