Politics is about both gaining political power and fighting the powers that be. Public protest is an important and powerful method for highlighting problems and pushing solutions to racial injustice, police violence, economic inequality and many other issues.

From the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement, protest has been a crucial part of American history since the very beginning of the country. The Black Lives Matter movement has been fighting for justice for years now, and responding to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others this year, BLM has leveled up and changed the country. Despite the lies and fear-mongering tactics of those trying to preserve the existing system, BLM and other movements are a key part of holding all our leaders accountable and making sure that justice and equality are finally achieved in this nation.

Regardless of who wins in November, this country will be a long way from reaching these goals, and no political party or set of government officials will make all the necessary changes without public pressure to do so. While making sure to be safe (including wearing your face mask and maintaining social distance), hitting the streets reminds the powers that be that we won't tolerate our lives being discarded nor our voices being ignored.

Amnesty International has put together a fact sheet with tips for safely protesting and how to assert your rights to public demonstration.

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