In the summer of 2020, amidst a global wave of Black Lives Matter protests, the voices of young activists in Chicago began to rise. Sophia Byrd, 17, reached out to Maxine, a middle school acquaintance, with a simple message of support. This initial contact sparked a chain of events that culminated in a powerful youth-led protest, demonstrating the potent force of young voices taking to the streets to demand justice and equality.
The movement began with a social media flyer for a youth sit-in at Millennium Park, initiated by Sophia and Maxine. Natalie Braye, 16, soon joined their ranks, offering her support. Within hours, these three young women found themselves in a group chat, rapidly planning a protest under the banner of #BLMChiYouth. The digital sphere amplified their call to action, and the organizers quickly realized the magnitude of their undertaking. The initial flyer garnered over 1,000 retweets, and a Facebook event page buzzed with growing interest. Faced with such an overwhelming response, the teens understood the need for meticulous organization to ensure their message resonated effectively in the streets of Chicago.
Their primary goal was to orchestrate a peaceful demonstration. They envisioned a silent sit-in, a powerful symbol of the silencing of Black voices in the face of oppression. Participants were encouraged to use tape over their mouths, visually representing this enforced silence. Recognizing the power of art in social movements, the organizers, all of whom were artists themselves, decided to integrate artistic expression into the event. Natalie and Sophia, participants in the city’s Louder Than a Bomb Slam Poetry Festival, understood the profound impact of spoken word.
Natalie explained, “I’ve been doing slam poetry for three years now. For me, poetry allows me to say the hard things and address the tough topics, but still be able to express the emotions I have, whether it’s anger or grief or frustration. To be able to have the poets perform at the sit-in gave me a chance to combine two things I am very passionate about: poetry and social justice.” This artistic element added depth and emotional resonance to their protest, channeling powerful feelings into creative expression right there in the heart of the city.
Beyond the sit-in, a march was planned to further amplify their message and take their protest Down The Streets. With only three days for preparation, the young organizers worked tirelessly, receiving crucial support from allies who connected them with essential resources and contacts. Arriving at Millennium Park on the day of the protest, they were met with an inspiring sight – a diverse crowd that defied Chicago’s reputation for segregation. The sheer number of participants confirmed their collective strength and the potential impact of their demonstration. The sit-in unfolded successfully, marked by a palpable sense of unity and mutual support among the protesters. Simultaneously, the organizers engaged in constructive dialogue with the Chicago Police Department to coordinate the planned march. Their formal and respectful communication fostered a positive relationship with law enforcement, resulting in an unexpected and significant concession: the police agreed to shut down Michigan Avenue to facilitate the youth-led march.
To commence the march down this iconic Chicago street, the protesters united in song, choosing “We Shall Overcome” as their anthem. Sophia highlighted the historical significance of music in movements for social change: “Music is what united people during the Civil Rights movement. With that in mind, it is essential to remember that music is a universal language. No matter what your racial, religious, or socioeconomic background is, everyone can feel music. That’s why it’s important to the movement.” The collective voice of a thousand young people singing this powerful anthem as they moved down the streets created an unforgettable moment, a testament to their commitment to continuing the struggle for justice. Their actions echoed the dedication of previous generations, demonstrating that the fight for equality continues to resonate powerfully, generation after generation, down the streets of every city and town.
