SOY tabling at Bowie HS

 I heard a radio story on the morning of October 16 before we headed off to staff our SOY table at Bowie HS -- about that date being the 50th anniversary of the Black Power salute by Olympians, Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Their visual, nonviolent protest was a signal of unified resistance to the many forms of white power, privilege and brutality faced by persons of color in the US in 1968. The peace sign and raised fist of unity are symbols we combine on our SOY t-shirts, and we were happy to see so many students earn themselves a shirt today at Bowie. Our reflection questions garnered thoughtful responses from students, as well.

Here are a few of their responses to the question, "The student-led #MarchForOurLives movement is trying to stop gun violence in our communities and schools. What about the gun violence of war? Are there similar ways to stop the spread of war?":

"I think we should see people as people."
"I would say that peaceful protesting similar to March for Our Lives would be a good one since it shows that people care."
"Gun violence in war should limit certain types of guns because they do more harm than good. Only certain guns should be allowed for use."
"People should voice their opinions! Start a conversation."
"Less military funding across the world."
"Spread peace and come together."
"Advocate for gun violence prevention."
"War is a necessary part of life unfortunately. We can limit this by being more aware of which wars we're inadvertantly funding."

And some of the responses to the question, "What are some ways that you and your friends are being good to the planet?":

"Recently, I've started volunteering for a retirement home and planting a garden."
"By not littering and being positive."
"Me and my mom plant vegetables and we reuse water bottles."
"We deliver Meals on Wheels to people in need."
"My brother and I go on walks picking up trash in the park."
"I'm a bee keeper."

Penny Poll results showed equal priority for Education and Health Care, each with 22% of the penny vote, followed by the Environment with 20%, Humanitarian Aid with 15% and NASA and the Military each with 10.5%. As always, if students could decide how our country's financial resources were allocated, we would have education and health care needs met, the planet would be better cared for, and military spending would be curbed.

Special thanks to Cat for joining us, and thanks to all Bowie Bulldogs for participating!

Here are a few more of the many student responses to the reflection questions: