Where does the idea for such a project come from? While the initial idea may have been just the brain-child of just a few individuals, it was apparent from the very beginning that we were going to need more than just our own voices.
The events of this year have been shared by many, the experiences are as different and unique as the person living it. Below we invite you to explore some of the writings and artwork that contributed to and inspired this project.
Check out some of the amazing narratives written in our ENG 111 classes this semester. These personal accounts of 2020 really are remarkable! #2020 #narrativeessaywriting #proudteachermoment #collegecomp #JTCC
ENG 111 College Composition I Narrative Essays Part I
I made a podcast for my CST 228 Writing Across Media class with Prof. Janelle Marshall. Link below!
The Strained Backbone of America: Medical Practitioners of 2020. Click to listen now, for free, on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wCtzmnKe3OzQyyMnedlha?si=QhbQTADtTsmrcd-Jnem7Hg
Inspiration comes from all places, and one of the most common sources has always been music! We asked our cast to submit songs that they found inspirational, important, or maybe just something fun to get through 2020 with. Check out one of our playlist below!
WARNING: Some songs may contain explicit language.
https://youtu.be/CdoXBZnBHK4?list=PLEBtVk10N6tWD5mLUDYYR0jY4QgBragSM
People often avoid having the hard conversations, the conversations that make them feel exceptionally uncomfortable. For decades, the media and the general public kept quiet about racial disparities and systemic discrimination. However, on May 25, 2020, a black man was murdered who would henceforth be known as the voice who cried “I can’t breathe.” All over the world, people heard his pleas for life, and they have not been able to shake the sound of his voice since. Plenty of innocent people died at the hands of police before him, but something was different this time. This time, a major movement for the good of mankind was initiated. Just a year ago, talking about racial injustices was, for many people, comparable to kids having sex talks with their parents--intimidating and awkward for everyone involved. The Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) has changed this by encouraging people to speak up about their personal experiences and also encouraging people, especially white people, to listen so that they can try to understand what people of color have been going through for so long. I am so thankful for the conversations that I have had with friends and family members in the past few months. I have learned a lot. I hope that this movement continues to grow, and I encourage everyone to keep the conversation rolling. When you say “black lives matter,” say it with some emotion because these words carry weight. Imagine all of the people who you are supporting when you say them. Imagine George Floyd, the man who started it all.
I am disgusted! I was out in Richmond joining peaceful protests, and standing in union with a group around Marcus-David Peters circle and listening to a black veteran speak. He spoke about how he spent time overseas for his country, only to come back to a place that didn't treat him like he did. This echoed scenes and sounds from the return of black troops from World War II and the Vietnam Conflict. The crowd was in full and peaceful agreement. We were told to stay, but some people went behind him to the other side of the (still-standing at the time) statue, where a line of cops in riot gear stood. White people were told to kneel in the front, yelling "hands up, don't shoot!" The police felt threatened by this gesture and proceeded to fire teargas canisters directly at kneeling protesters, and to follow all of us for blocks. They arrested people in this disarray and attempted to block off exits to some streets. This display of blatant violence and lack of respect for the first amendment rights of those who demand to be seen as humans shows the need to defund or replace the police. The fact that this was not the first, nor the last time, is deeply disturbing. Let alone that teargas has been dubbed unfit for combat, but is perfectly fine for use against peaceful civilians.
Will you be returning to eat in restaurants? Read the article below from 13News to find out information about tipped workers impacted by the coronavirus.
A personal perspective piece I wrote for my English Composition (ENG 111) class with Prof. Micheal Means.
Black Lives Matter
I shouted, tears falling down my face. I can’t believe my skin color in this world is a disgrace. They say blue lives matter like they don’t see. The police killing that man with his knife. Don’t you understand we’re humans just like you? So why do you keep killing us like you do? After 400 years, I thought it would stop, but now we have mean racist cops. I thought their job was to protect us, but now I have mistrust and disgust. Because every time I see them, I can’t breathe, praying to God that they won’t shoot me. So Black lives matter as I shout even louder again, tears falling down my face hoping that this will end. And this time they won’t shoot us, we will not stop until we get justice.
Students were tasked with creating their own interpretation of a title card look for this project. Check out some of their amazing work below!