Clifton

“I just turned 18 years old. I lost my mom to stage four breast cancer in July and the next month Michael Brown was killed–which thrust me into student activism work. I want to be able to help raise my seven brothers and sisters without fearing for the safety of their lives. This movement is personal to me because my late-mother was a social work, and I feel as though I am continuing her work. This movement has taught me that the potential of black youth should never be in question. History will pay attention to the fact that ordinary high school students, like myself, put our personal lives aside to stand against injustice in Ferguson and beyond. This isn’t a leader-less movement; it is leader-full–and black youth are the ones on the front lines. No one told us to protest–we just did it. No one told us to walk out of schools–we organized and did that. No matter where I go in life, I know that it is my duty to stand against oppression. I cannot escape my blackness and the experiences I face in my community. Therefore, I organize throughout schools in order to improve the lives of black youth. I’m literally fighting everyday in order to make sure that black youth voices are heard. In order to fulfill my obligation, I must learn from others and help to empower others. I remember speaking with students at Hazelwood East Middle School and noticing the unlimited, untapped potential. No kid’s dream should be limited because of where they live. Until the day when the school you attend, your income level, or your location no longer determines whether your black life is of value–I will continue this activist work.” -Clifton

This is @CliftonKinnie. He is a student organizer and Founder of Our Destiny STL, and he is the movement. #FacesOfTheMovement