The Baltimore riots were a perfect example of MLK's words coming to life. At some point, those who are both oppressed and unheard will rise up. On the bus today, a question was asked about whether or not sit-ins such as those in the 60s will ever be replicated again or if nonviolence is not a tactic being used by this generation of youth activists. It is my belief that nonviolence is no longer a method that is taken seriously. In the 60s, when the Greensboro Four sat-in at F. W. Woolworth, national attention was brought to the nonviolent protest because nothing of its kind had ever happened before. However last spring in Baltimore, the peaceful protests surrounding the death of Freddie Gray received no attention; news cameras were only brought to the scene once the protests turned violent. As times change and the media develops, distorted images of events are projected even though we have the technology to spread truth. Instead of asking why there aren't peaceful protests anymore, we must ask why there is no truthful media. It is not that the youth of today are restless or violent or incapable of self-control-- in fact, the youth of today are motivated and powerful and courageous. In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, "[we] are sick and tired of being sick and tired"-- that is, sick and tired of being put down for speaking up.
Leah Balter, Baltimore City College
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