The Power of Young Activism

By Abby Bittner

With Black Lives Matter protests popping up across the country, many individuals – young and old – are making a point to have their voices heard.

Young activist and Flagler student Vaishnavi Gundakaram is one of many young people in St. Augustine striving to see change.

Gundakaram has always been passionate about human rights and wants her voice to be heard alongside others.  “I have never been able to sit idly by while injustice is being done to any living being on this planet,” she said.  “I am inspired by the powerful women that have and continue to pave the way for me to use my voice to advocate for others.”

While protests throughout the country have been effective, the young activist knows there is still a way to go.  “Taking down the confederate monument is only a start to the change that needs to happen in St. Augustine.  There is a deeply rooted history of racism in this city.  This is blatantly obvious, as the center square of downtown still has the market in which enslaved people were sold and monuments to celebrate the people who fought to continue the oppression and enslavement of black people in America,” the 22 year old said.  “We need more funding for education, for healthcare, and for housing.  We need to make reparations.”

Gundakaram, who has also protested for women’s rights and climate justice, understands the importance of speaking out.  “I protest because it is important for the world to see that there are people standing in solidarity with marginalized groups and people that will not stand for injustice,” she said.

Protesting is a great way to show support, however, she knows that activism goes much deeper than doing one good deed.  “People often go to protests as a performance for their social media, which is really problematic,” said Gundakaram, who has protested since high school.

Despite being labeled as an “angry feminist” as a young activist, she has always sought to bring justice.  “I always rebelled again the system in other ways than physically going to protests and it definitely got me into trouble,” she said.

As advice for those looking to get involved, she suggests reading up on the issue and staying safe when going to protests.  “If they want to be an ally in all ways, including protesting, I would tell them that there is power in numbers and their voice is powerful,” Gundakaram said.  “They should always be prepared, there is a lot of information about safety at protests out on social media.  Also, make room for black people to speak and lead chants.”   

Vaishnavi Photo by Lenny Foster