The Talon Asks:  What are your thoughts on the recent protests and the fight for freedom and equality?

“I do agree with the protesting for what’s right. It’s time things changed. Enough is enough and we need to be heard. I’m so sickened of the fact that black people are racially profiled 24/7 and no one does anything about it. However, I don’t agree with the rioting. Yeah, they are doing it because they aren’t being heard, but burning down buildings and destroying property, I don’t agree with that. The people that are doing so are taking away someone’s job and their source of income. Also, some people are only doing it because they want to steal things. I do want things to change, but rioting isn’t the way.”

Alexys Graham

2023

“In my opinion I believe that in general people are using the argument, “Black Lives Matter” to commit crime and it breaks my heart. There are people that are actually protesting for justice and freedom and don’t get heard at the end of the day. With that being said, I also believe that not all cops are bad. I am not saying black lives don’t matter because I believe ALL lives matter, but blaming all cops for a crime that was committed by one isn’t fair.”

Mikel Petryuk

2018

“My thoughts about the protests are really simple because I do believe they are doing good and getting their voices heard. Although I don’t think the looting and burning down buildings is a good idea. Some small businesses work for what they have now, but I also get why they’re doing it.  Some people are doing it to steal and some people are just doing it because they’re tired of what’s happening and are taking matters to their own hands. The fight for freedom is really a beautiful thing and seeing this much people support the BLM movement is wonderful, but the racist people, the racist cops are being brainwashed by our idiotic, racist, rapist president. I hope everyone stays safe and keep doing what you think is right.”

Fatuma Yusuf

2023

“I think it’s really sad. People should stop looking at appearance and love people for who they are. Whether that be skin, race, or religion, we are all one.”

Angelina Shotropa

2026

“I think that it’s good that everyone is standing up for what they believe and I couldn’t agree more that they need to be heard, but I think the vandalism of burning homes and building isn’t the way to go about it, but a peaceful protest just wasn’t enough. From what I heard, the protests were peaceful until cops started tasing people and tear gassing them, but it’s not illegal to protest peacefully so I stand with the people, Black Lives Matter!”

Bella Cervantes

2022

“To be completely honest, I support Black Lives Matter and the fight for freedom, but once the violence and all these riots started putting people in danger, my heart just broke. We can fight for freedom and protest in peace!  All the rioting shouldn’t start just to prove a point, you know? I’m completely for protesting, fight with all your heart, just don’t put anyone in danger. Also, Black Lives Matter 100%, but I believe that all lives matter! Not all cops are the same you know? There are cops that are racist, but NOT all cops are like that! People don’t understand that cops wake up risking their lives for our country and get so mistreated. Yes, I understand the racist cops getting hated on and honestly I’m here for it, but the innocent cops that have to be scared for their lives everyday breaks my heart.”

Tamera Davidyan

2024

“It saddens and angers me that to this day POC and minorities have to continue to fight for basic rights. I believe that the adversities minorities face are not “equal,” and that we as a society are right to be protesting and demanding equal rights and justice. I’m disappointed that in these times our president has decided to respond to the cries of his citizens with violence, further fueling the hate in this country. It is a sad time to be in America, but I hope that this movement will bring forth an era of change.”

Anna Park

2022

“I think that people have every right to protest and let their voice be heard. We live in the most free country in the world; we have so many rights, freedoms and opportunities that multiple nations don’t enjoy. I believe that additional transparency is needed in many of our police departments in regards to equality and inclusion and that departments who are doing well in those areas should share what they have done. I do not believe in using violence and hurting others in order to make your voice be heard. I also believe that cops should be held accountable for their inappropriate actions. Bad choices made by other officers should not be applied to all officers nationwide. There are many officers all over America who are immigrants, people of color, diverse unique and very dedicated to be a positive force for good in their community. Their dreams to make a safe space in their community should not be drowned out. Good officers should be supported and encouraged; bad officers should be held accountable. We need unity in the community.”

Sam Ionesi

2010

“I agree with equality for all races. I believe there is no systematic racism. I believe there is individual racism. I believe the people have the right to protest. I believe a crime is a crime. I believe stealing is stealing. I believe living as a free black, white, Hispanic, etc. human is freedom. Making noise and asking people for something they can’t give is idiotic. I believe white people don’t owe anybody anything, or the other way around. You’re born in a free country now, so make decisions now on how you want to live your life, and screw the racism!”

Alec Brici

2020

“I think it’s understandable, but definitely went overboard in my opinion with the rioting and looting.”

Jordan Nicholson

2023

“I think the peaceful protests that have been going on are needed for the leaders of America to realize inequality. Although I don’t support the violence, they want the world to listen to their voices in one way or another and they believe this is working. All in all, I believe it’s needed for the equality and freedom for all races and religion.”

Emily Pitsul

2022