Written by Sara Rahim, TDN Independent Associate Fellow. Oct. 15, 2014

From October 10-13, demonstrators rallied together in major events for a weekend of resistance called “#FergusonOctober.” This series of events and protests came in response to the death of unarmed black teen Michael Brown, who was shot by a Ferguson police officer in August. Protestors pushed for the arrest of officer Darren Wilson and national reform on police brutality and racism. Organizations from around the city and the country arrived in St. Louis, ready to take to the streets and have their voices heard. The peaceful demonstrations even arrived to Saint Louis University, late Sunday night.

As a St. Louis University graduate, I am proud of my university’s response to allowing the protests on campus and create a space for our voices to be heard. Standing in solidarity against all forms of bigotry and injustice is something that I’ve taken from my 4 years at a Jesuit institution. In response, I am eager to begin a youth empowerment program for at-risk youth in St. Louis City. As young people, we have the potential to be leaders and invest back in our own communities.

I hope that working with youth on the issues of health, self-esteem, and leadership will allow them to rise up and improve our St. Louis community during this pivotal moment in our city’s history.