Politics today has become a pressing issue for many minorities and communities in Harrisonburg, and one way students have found to advocate for change is through protests. Senior Jose Rocha Salva is one of those students who participated in the downtown Harrisonburg immigration protest.
“The most recent, peaceful protest I’ve gone to was the one downtown that had to do with immigration and, just like issues that have been going on in the world that are censored around, immigration control, and ICE raids,” Rocha Salva said
This protest was organized and led by members of our community. It took place in Downtown Harrisonburg, with hundreds of people marching to express solidarity with the city’s immigrant community from all over, protesting to protect against mass deportations and family separations. This was a peaceful response to the uncertainty that many people in Harrisonburg felt, emphasizing that everyone is welcome in the community, no matter where you’re from.
“Well, first off, if you don’t go, then who will? You know, if you’re waiting for people to go before you start going, then you just might just be waiting forever,” Rocha Salva said.
That sense of urgency is paired with hope. Despite the challenges, students like Rocha Salva continue to believe that raising their voices can lead to real change.
“I would hope that the outcome of all these protests and people speaking out would be families being able to stay together,” Rocha Salva said
Senior Maryam Hussein has also taken part in protests. And find it important to advocate for her community.
“This past year, I went to a calm protest downtown to advocate for ICE stuff that was happening in our community,” Hussein said
For Maryam Hussein and many others, protests are more than just gatherings; they are a way to spread awareness and push for meaningful change. The more people who get involved, the stronger the impact on political decision-making.
“I’m hoping the biggest thing that happens with these protests and these changes is that we can get laws and regulations changed and placed for a long time here in America, and to help communities and ensure equality for all races and people.” Hussein said
The more we fight and stand up for what’s right, the better chance we have at making a change, not just within our community, but throughout the world.
