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Activism has long been a part of American historyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Stonewall Riots, protest has long been woven into the fabric of American cultureGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In response to the current police brutality issue sweeping the nation, activism has once more been brought to the forefrontGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

One such peaceful activist is Djibril DiakiteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Diakite is currently a student at Brooklyn College who hopes to one day become a high school science teacherGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. While he has always shown interest in creative projects, Diakite became particularly interested in activism and raising awareness to social issues after losing a loved one late last yearGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. He credits reading and books from authors such as Ta-Nehisi Coates inspired him to channel his creativity and veer towards creating a more ideal societyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Following the death of George Floyd, Diakite took to the streets amongst peaceful protestors to demand changeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “I knew it would be different the second i heard about George’s death, this is going to hit the world differentlyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We’ve never had this level of unity ever in protest historyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Before, it was just black people, now it’s all people coming together”, said DiakiteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

So, how does this young activist believe we can enact real change for the better? He recommends taking the following steps:

Advocate

“I personally feel like protesting is not just going outside and marchingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. You can protest on different levels: individually, economically, politicallyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Advocate at home, research and promote black businesses, donating, signing petitionsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Just advocate overall; social media has helped with this a lotGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. People didn’t know how to go about supporting the movement”, said DiakiteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Educate

Diakite is a firm believer in education to empower oneselfGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Instead of merely depending on social media, which often only shows one reality, engage young people by encouraging them to read different viewpoints and having conversations with those around themGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

He is especially a proponent of teaching young students about the importance of financial literacyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. “Educate the youth that they may not learn in schools, writing an agenda for what we don’t learn in schoolsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The systematic setup of how colored folksGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Financial literacy, that kind of information we don’t really learn in schools, I didn’t know how to voteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Especially amongst black communities”, said DiakiteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Stay focused and positive

Diakite encourages those who may feel hopeless to look at the positive aspects of protestGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. For example, in New York State, Civil Rights Law Section 50-A was recently repealed after protestors raised awareness about the issueGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This law previously held the personnel records of officers privateGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Said Diakite: “[The] reason we are seeing more negativity is because the protests are exposing the negativity, now we see it more and moreGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. For the people feeling hopeless, understand this is the first time we have full worldwide unityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Look at all the change we’ve had within the last 2-3 weeks”Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

What comes next for the young activist? He hopes to continue to educate and empower the youth through his future career and continued activismGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. By remaining hopeful and continuing to promote a peaceful, positive message, Diakite believes current protests can enable real, effective change for the betterGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

If you would like to learn more about Djibril Diakite, you may visit his Instagram page hereGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.