By Ava Walker ’19
After months of preparation the Solidarity in Action Leadership Team, along with St. Ignatius’ Arrupe Council, Ignatian Solidarity Network and Moreau High School, hosted the 4th Annual “Bay Area Teach-In for Social Justice” on January 26, 2019. By teaming up with other organizations, we were able to expand our platform and increase attendance. We kicked off the morning with an amazing keynote speaker Bria Smith, a high school senior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who plays an influential role in the “March for Our Lives” movement.
This day was filled with informative and interactive workshops taught by both organizations and students confronting issues ranging from mass incarceration to immigration. Not only were we given the opportunity to learn about issues, but we were also able to hear stories first-hand which touched the hearts of many. Lastly, we were able to voice our opinions and learn about ways to get involved as youth activists and advocates for social justice.
As a member of the Solidarity in Action team, I am extremely grateful to have been a part of planning and organizing this event. This event not only inspired our team with ideas of events and topics to confront on campus but also allowed us to connect with students across the Bay Area with common interests and different viewpoints. These students came from the following schools: Archbishop Mitty High School, Carondelet High School, St. Mary’s High School, Cristo Rey De La Salle, Cristo Rey Sacramento, Cristo Rey San Jose, Immaculate Conception Academy, Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, Moreau High School, St. Ignatius High School and others. As a whole, our leadership team feels inspired and fueled up with ideas from these new connections and resources. We are ready to take action on our own campus and throughout the Bay Area.