RISE Blog | 4 Activists We Can Learn From

By: Lauryn Flores, Peer Educator
November 18th, 2021

Activists throughout history are celebrated as leaders at the forefront of political movements designed to empower marginalized groups. In today's politically charged climate, it's important to examine the stories of past activists and the lessons they left behind. It is becoming increasingly important to voice our beliefs to better the lives of ourselves and others. Let's take a look at the lives of four influential activists throughout history and examine the impact they continue to leave on our world today.

Angela Yvonne Davis is an American political activist and author best known for supporting progressive causes since the 1960s. She has stood firmly against racism, sexism, homophobia, and, most notably, the prison-industrial complex throughout her life. Born into the Jim Crow Era, Davis was surrounded by extreme racial prejudice for most of her life. Later in her life, Davis became a prominent figure in advocating for civil rights in her communities. Today, she continues to use forms of peaceful protest such as oration and written works to support her beliefs. She has consistently chosen to express herself in a nonviolent way, setting an example for future generations to practice peaceful protest.

Harvey Milk (born in 1930) was one of the first openly gay officials elected to a political office in the United States. Milk faced discrimination based on his sexual orientation, especially in the Navy. However, in November of 1977, Milk was successfully elected to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, where he advocated for tax reformation, the creation of low-income housing, and anti-discrimination laws. While in office, he pushed for an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexuality, signed into law in 1978. In the same year, Harvey Milk worked effortlessly to campaign against a bill that aimed to ban gay teachers and gay rights supporters from working in California schools. With help from others, such as former presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, the proposition failed to pass. Milk's legacy shows us that past failures and hardships can serve as a guide to spark the change we want to see in our communities.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African Anglican social activist. He is best known for his work done to combat South Africa's apartheid (segregation) regime, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Tutu, a leader within the South African Council of Church, recognized that segregationist policies brought on against people of color in South Africa were cruel and dehumanizing. Tutu voiced his concerns over violent apartheid liberation efforts and worked to advocate for peace through nonviolent demonstration. Desmond Tutu became a prominent symbol of peace in South Africa by drawing from his faith to bring the masses together as one. Thanks to tireless contributions made by Tutu and others, apartheid in South Africa finally came to an end in 1994.

Violeta Parra was a Chilean musician, singer, composer, and social activist from San Carlos, Chile. As Violeta became more politically involved, she used her music to serve as an outlet for her social activism. Parra's pieces acted as a voice speaking out on the injustices committed against marginalized communities of Latin America by authoritarian governments at the time. As her music began to take flight, she became one of the key contributors to the Latin American genre of music known as Nueva Canción, popular for its role in populist political movements. Violeta Parra drew from her passion and talent for the arts and fused it with her drive to fight injustice in her country.

Analyzing our history and recognizing the struggles of the past will help us move forward and create change that will improve our communities. Davis, Milk, Tutu, and Parra each showed us that effective activism grows from the peaceful protest, determination, and passion. Lessons like these can push our generation toward the unimagined frontiers of social change.

 

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