By Bo Yun V. Brainerd
More than 100 anti-racism activists protested Sunday in front of Branford High School, providing a platform for the Black, Indigenous and other people of color communities. Marchers were concerned about the systemic racism they say Americans live through, education being one of them.
Organized by SAFER Branford and CT Against Brutality, who are composed of hundreds of young adults and teenagers, the protest gathered at Branford High School and headed towards the center of town before ending up in front of the Branford Police Department. Organizers of the protest support the Black Lives Matter movement. Many of the speakers, including current and former BHS students, gave personal testimonies of their experiences with racism, as well as microagression and bullying based on their gender choice or sexual preference.
“We work to create preventative measures and actions to stop identity based discrimination in extracurricular activities and school sponsored events,” said Dylan Campos, a 2020 BHS graduate. “Administration’s approved preformative events to showcase cultural diversity means nothing if that same administration wouldn’t investigate instances of racism and prejudice.”
SAFER Branford was originally created by BHS graduate Isabel Bysiewicz, niece of Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. It began as a simple Facebook and social networking platform to raise awareness for the injustices within Branford, but grew to be a student-led organization combating prejudice in the Branford Public Schools. Event organizer Gillian Basilicato, another BHS graduate, helped lead the march and brought first aid kits, water and posters for protesters. Gillian also organized the Black Lives Matter march in late June that took place on the Town Green. Jack Nelson, another BHS graduate, who now attends Brown University, is the Mediator of the group and reminded the crowd of the importance of not only voting but ensuring we fight for justice for future students.
Marchers came together to amplify those in the Branford and shoreline community whose voices have been marginalized and silenced by the majority. Members of SAFER Branford cleared up misconceptions about police defunding by stating that, by reallocating a portion of the current $7 million police budget towards social service programs and accessible resources, including those within BPS, we are choosing to invest in strong mental health support, food security and high quality public school education.
In the last several weeks nationwide, there have been protests for racial justice addressing White privilege, voter suppression and the need to end systemic racism. Change is long overdue and the protestors are fighting for generations to come, according to organizers.
The diverse crowd included an array of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds all fighting for the same thing. Children and parents spoke of examples where they faced racial slurs and inappropriate drawings or comments, yet there was little or no repercussions of disciplinary measures from school administration.
Thankfully, there is a new shift in priorities regarding racial, LGBTQ and social equality within Branford, hopefully the next step will be in each school. Everyone deserves to experience safety, prosperity and a welcoming, helpful environment, protestors said.
Editor's Note: Bo Yun V. Brainerd is a reporter for The Buzz and participated in the protest.
