Young, Black womxn and queer folk organized a 65 mile march from Milwaukee to Madison to demand change.
 
March For Our Lives

Hey John,

A couple of weeks ago, we had an idea. There have been hundreds of people marching in the streets, protesting police brutality, systemic racism, and white supremacy. But few, if any, of these marches were centering the voices of Black young womxn or Black queer youth. After talking to more young Black folks throughout Wisconsin, we were inspired to revive 50 Miles More. 

Youth activists (some of us aren’t even old enough to vote yet!) planned a march from Milwaukee to Madison. That’s 65 miles. It took days. It got dangerous. But we had to center these voices -- our voices.

Our demands for Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers are simple and straightforward -- and can be applicable to most other states, fellow activists 👀

We demand Governor Evers:

  1. Condemn the use of tear gas and rubber bullets
  2. Hold special sessions on gun violence and policing in Wisconsin
  3. Act on the requests of Black Lives Matter At School
  4. Fund violence prevention measures
  5. Work with the DOC to release incarcerated people due to prison overcrowding and the inability to social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic
 
Sign on to show your support for these demands

So, with our demands planned out, we began marching. During our first day, we were followed. On night one, we had white supremacists sitting outside our sleeping location. The fear made us question: Was this a mistake? Is this march worth risking our lives? Should we just go home? 

But the answers were clear. We weren’t just marching for ourselves and our demands. We march because Breonna Taylor can’t. We march because Sandra Bland can’t. We march because every Black person who has been murdered by the police and our racist systems can’t. No one was going to intimidate us into silence. We are, and we remain, fearless, resilient, and proud to be who we are. 

So we continued on, marching the 65 miles to Madison. Along the way, we were harassed and stalked by more white supremacists and armed militia, and one of our fellow marchers -- a Black trans woman -- was physically assaulted by a white woman in Madison. It wasn’t an easy journey -- physically, mentally, or spiritually -- but we did it. We found joy through dancing and singing along the way. Protesting is often a super serious and heavy act, but there’s joy in standing up for what’s right. To express joy during this journey felt radical and revolutionary.

After five days, we arrived in Madison on July 4, 2020. We read our demands to Governor Evers in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol. He has yet to act. That’s why we’re asking for your support. Add your name to show support and solidarity with our demands.

We marched for those who can’t. We know that with the help and support of allies and activists, we can make Wisconsin -- and the whole country -- better. We’re going to keep fighting (after we rest for a few days). Let’s be fearless. Let’s be brave.

In solidarity,
Bria Smith
Tatiana Washington
March For Our Lives
 
 
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