Christian Deadwyler

Since May 17th, 1957, over 100 documented protests have been held on Washington DC. From the march on equality, to PETA, to the preservation of a statue. Protests have been sprouting up in the U.S.

In La Joya alone, protesters for the march on equality are proud of their progress and plan to keep protesting in civil rights.

“I never thought we’d get this far. Less than two hundred years ago, people were still being enslaved.” said an active protester at La Joya.

Our first amendment rights are often times avoided topics for conversation, due to the lack of knowledge about it. Lately, however, more and more protests are happening constantly.

When asked if the protester thinks if progress is being made, they said “As a minor, I’m not legally eligible to vote. By protesting and getting involved, my voice is heard.”

Protests can be held in more ways than just rallying in a park and holding signs. Petitions have become a popular form of protest. A petition is an official document with a claim or request, by gathering signatures from people who approve, this claim or request gains more traction.

“I’ve been involved in a few petitions” said the La Joya student.  “I feel like my time is valuable, and I’d much rather sign a slip of paper than stand and protest for hours.”

Protesting has become popular all around the United States, but why?

When asked this question, the student said “I feel like we’re getting a lot figured out in this country, leaving us more time to focus on things we didn’t have time to before.”

Whether you’re for protests or not, they seem to be getting a lot done in civil rights and gaining traction.

“As long as there is something I feel should be changed, I will fight for what I believe and will always persevere” said the La Joya protester.