Rise

Berkeley's history is rich with activism, shaped by the fervor of those who have fought for civil rights, free speech, and social justice. Since the 1960s, the city has been a vibrant hub for protests and rallies, reflecting a deep commitment to enacting change and addressing societal injustices.

When moving to the Bay Area in 2014 Hesaraky was aware of the history of the area but has now experienced the passion, rage and anger recent political events had stirred. When we think of Berkeley protests, we think of the Civil Rights Movement, the Free Speech Movement, the Vietnam war protests, Black Lives Matter and more recent rallies.

Bravery in the face of adversity is essential for initiating change; history teaches us that meaningful progress rarely occurs without someone standing up and challenging the status quo. While violence sometimes emerges in efforts to be heard, it is critical that we strive for more constructive methods. Resorting to violence often clouds the message and complicates the pursuit of justice, even if it garners attention.

We can learn lessons from history and avoid resorting to violence. We should all make a stand and do our best to rise above the nonsense impacting our futures. We need to move forward as one species. We have all of the potential there is, without limit to what we can achieve as individuals and together.