Accessible Activism: An Introduction

Accessible+Activism%3A+An+Introduction

by Faith Andrews-O’Neal, Staff Writer

Hi! I’m Faith Andrews-O’Neal, sophomore and social activist in the making. Growing up black in a predominantly white environment has given me a lot of real world exposure to issues that play out on a larger scale all around us. Of course, as a teenager, it can be hard to figure out what these issues mean, let alone work towards improving the situation. So that’s what this blog is going to help with! With the help of some ideas taken from activists past and present, this blog is going to explore different social problems facing our world today, in a way that is accessible and relatable to people our age.

The earliest memory I have of being interested in social activism was most likely the 2008 presidential election. Of course, my seven-year-old brain could not fully grasp the full weight of what was happening, but seeing tears in the eyes of my grandparents at the sight of a black president made me realize that this was a feat they did not think they would live to see. Up until that point, I think I just figured it was a coincidence that there had never been a black president. By the time the 2012 elections came around, I realized the substantiality of that day. I had learned about the history of oppression that continues to impact black lives, and was a proud, gangly Obama supporter, showcasing my “I voted” sticker to anyone who would turn their eyes my way for a split second.

However, just as I was coming into my liberal views, and forming some political opinions of my own, many students at my previous school were doing the same. Except many of my classmates’ views were on the opposite end of the political spectrum. It sometimes felt ostracizing, but the experiences I had helped me realize how valuable it is to be able to have the freedom to express our opinions on real world issues. This blog is the perfect way to express my opinions as a teen girl of color, along with (hopefully) opening a door to even more people getting involved in making a difference in the community around us, in a way that changes the world