COVID-19 came back in-season as we saw many citizens take laws that were some-what relaxed not so seriously; even though many peaceful protestors were wearing masks; now the streets are empty again. This is our time to reflect and discuss what has been happening in our country; in our communities and we hope here at UBO MAG and within the non-profit of Hip-Hop Congress that you can take something from the next few stories we post and hopefully we can start making some real changes when it comes to true equality, love of our fellow human beings and deep empathy that can only come from a place of care, compassion and love.
By Andre Quiero II
Contributing Writer
Downtown; right in front of the statehouse, stood a crowd of people fed up with police brutality and racism in America. With the college experience I have, I know that criminal justice education does in fact have stereotypes of “criminals” or what has been considered “criminals”. People also realized that the systematic oppression of people that are not white cannot keep going on.
With George Floyd’s murder, initially, Columbus, Ohio police were ready for action. Horses, Riot Shields and dozens of cars surrounded protesters the first night of protests. It did get violent with small businesses being vandalized and statehouse windows busted out.
Then came another notion of peaceful protesting. After an Ohio State University student reporter got maced on High Street, it was obvious to me that the Columbus Police were ready to hurt people.
What I’ve seen recently are more peaceful arrangements. In front of the Statehouse and on the High Street that runs North and South through the city. National Guard has been recalled and people are standing together; as love wins.
Andre Quiero II hails from Columbus, OH and is involved in the arts as a singer/songwriter, music producer, videographer, actor and aspiring filmmaker. He enjoys writing about music, art and culture. You can check him out on his IG Page to learn more about him.
“I want to write this article because I feel it’s the least I could do in these times. To write down my thoughts about my surroundings,” Quiero II warmly puts it.
