Event Reflection

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University of Nairobi *

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111

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Sociology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

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docx

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3

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Introduction In this reflection paper, I will discuss my experience attending a protest outside St. Francis High School, where reports of racism and bullying had emerged. This event was not only an opportunity to witness a public demonstration but also a chance to reflect on its implications, connect it to assigned readings, relate it to a current event, and consider its potential contribution to a more just and equitable society. Summary The protest outside St. Francis High School was a powerful demonstration that brought together a diverse group of individuals, including students, parents, alumni, and community members. The protest was prompted by reports of racism and bullying within the school, particularly surrounding a student's use of blackface. This act of racial insensitivity had deeply affected black students at the school, leading them to voice their concerns and demand justice. The protestors gathered to express their outrage and frustration with the racial incidents occurring at St. Francis High School. Their primary demands included the expulsion of the student involved in the blackface incident, a call for greater diversity within the school's administration, and the inclusion of more representation from marginalized communities on the school board. The protest showcased the unity and resilience of the marginalized communities affected by these incidents. It was a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and discrimination in educational institutions. The participants in the protest were determined to address these issues head-on and to create a more just and equitable learning environment for all students. This demonstration highlighted the urgency of addressing racism within educational institutions and aligns with the themes discussed in the assigned readings from the textbook, "Understanding Social Inequality" by Conerly et al. (2021). The textbook delves into the pervasive nature of systemic racism and its role in perpetuating social inequalities. The protest served as a tangible example of these concepts in action, where students and their allies were actively mobilizing against racial injustice. Furthermore, the protest was a timely response to the broader current events related to racism and discrimination in educational settings. Instances of racial discrimination in schools, colleges, and universities have been making headlines, emphasizing the need for immediate action. This protest was part of a larger nationwide movement for racial justice, echoing the sentiments of the Black Lives Matter movement, which seeks to dismantle systemic racism across all sectors of society. The media's coverage of this protest has contributed to raising awareness about the issues of racism and discrimination in educational institutions. It has also held the school accountable for its actions or lack thereof in addressing these issues. This event serves as a testament to the growing unwillingness of marginalized communities to tolerate racial discrimination in their learning environments. In terms of its potential contribution to a more just and equitable society, this protest holds immense promise. By demanding specific actions, such as the expulsion of the student involved in the blackface incident, diversifying the administration, and increasing representation on the school board, the protest advocates for concrete changes that can foster a safer and more inclusive educational environment. Moreover, this protest serves as a compelling example of grassroots activism. It demonstrates the power of collective action and advocacy in addressing racial discrimination. The unity and determination
displayed during the protest can inspire others to take similar actions in their communities, contributing to a broader societal shift towards justice and equity. Personal Impact Witnessing this protest had a profound impact on me. The unity displayed by the protestors, especially the black students who had been affected by these incidents, was both inspiring and heart-wrenching. It highlighted the resilience and determination of marginalized communities in their pursuit of justice and equality. It also emphasized the urgency of addressing systemic racism and discrimination within educational institutions. Relation to Assigned Reading This protest resonated with the assigned readings from the textbook, particularly the sections on systemic racism and social justice. The textbook, "Understanding Social Inequality," by Conerly et al. (2021), discusses how systemic racism perpetuates social inequalities and how marginalized groups continue to face discrimination. The protest served as a real-world illustration of the concepts discussed in the readings. It vividly showcased how students of color experienced racism and how they, along with their allies, were actively mobilizing against it. The textbook also emphasizes the importance of addressing racism and discrimination at all levels of society to achieve a more equitable society. The protest aligns with this message by calling for tangible changes within an educational institution—a critical setting where societal values and attitudes are shaped. Discussion in Relation to a Current Event The protest at St. Francis High School is a reflection of broader issues related to racism and discrimination in educational institutions, which is a current event in itself. Instances of racism in schools, colleges, and universities continue to make headlines, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues. This protest aligns with the broader context of nationwide movements for racial justice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, which seeks to dismantle systemic racism. In light of the current event, this protest demonstrates that marginalized communities are no longer willing to tolerate racial discrimination in educational settings. The media's coverage of this event also contributes to raising awareness about these issues and holding institutions accountable for their actions or inactions. The protest outside St. Francis High School has the potential to contribute significantly to a more just and equitable society. First and foremost, it highlights the importance of addressing racism and discrimination within educational institutions, where future generations are educated. By demanding the expulsion of the student involved in the blackface incident, diversifying the administration, and increasing representation on the school board, the protest advocates for tangible changes that can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students. Additionally, this protest serves as a powerful example of grassroots activism. It demonstrates that when individuals and communities come together to demand justice, change is possible. The unity and determination displayed during the protest can inspire others to take action against racism and
discrimination in their own communities, contributing to a broader societal shift towards justice and equity. Conclusion The protest outside St. Francis High School served as a powerful reminder of the persistent issues of racism and discrimination within educational institutions. Witnessing the unity and determination of the protestors, particularly the affected black students, left an indelible impact on me, highlighting the urgency of addressing systemic racism in schools. This event directly related to the textbook readings on systemic racism and social justice, illustrating how marginalized groups are actively mobilizing against discrimination. Moreover, it aligned with the broader current event of nationwide movements for racial justice, emphasizing that marginalized communities are no longer willing to tolerate racial discrimination in educational settings. This protest's potential contribution to a more just and equitable society is significant, as it demanded concrete changes that can create a safer and more inclusive learning environment while inspiring others to take action against racism and discrimination in their own communities. References Conerly, T. R., Holmes, K., & Tamang, A. L. (2021). Introduction to Sociology 3e.
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