Using their voices: Students share their activism
University students assume a unique role in movements for civil rights and social justice. While protests across the United States this year have been remarkable for their diversity — embraced by several generations and people who claim diverse identities — students remain critical voices in leadership. Meet nine Ohio State students taking action for justice, peace and equality.
Matthew Stoessner, Jasmine Hilton
Eyako Heh
Fourth-year studying political science
In July, he wrote a guest column in The Columbus Dispatch.
“What I really wanted to convey was that there’s a want in the community to divest from law enforcement and reallocate resources toward other avenues, specifically on campus. We have to be there for our Black and minoritized students and faculty, and other members of the campus community, by addressing these demands.”
Joseph Oteng
Second-year law student
Creator of Youthful Life Workshops, Instagrams at @drjotengii
“This summer, I spent a lot of time building a series of workshops and videos and infographics to educate people on anti-racism, allyship and social justice. How can I welcome people to a conversation that they’ve always been invited to in ways that are accessible, with grace and kindness, and provides them the space and time to cultivate that sense of racial literacy?”
Ose Arheghan
Third-year studying political science and Chinese
Chair of the newly formed Undergraduate Black Caucus
“A lot of the students who are on the front lines organizing on Ohio State’s campus, we’re not just Black, we’re queer Black students, or we’re Black students with disabilities or we’re Black students who have mental health issues. We alI hold multiple identities. I think that when we’re talking about justice, it really is important to acknowledge that we’re talking about justice for all.”
Rachel Thurman
Fourth-year studying political science
Activist and organizer
“The first protest I went to — a little crazy, but it felt really good. It got me really motivated knowing that there are tons of people who are willing to be active in this movement. I’ve been spending the last couple weeks organizing an event that celebrates the voices of Black women and members of the LGBTQ-plus community. My parents have always told me, ‘Use your voice.’ What’s the worst that could happen? Someone says no?”
Jessica Kavinsky
Fourth-year studying German and international studies
Activist, organizer and curator of TEDxOSU
“That first Thursday night was the first time I’ve ever been face-to-face with someone who wanted to do violence to me. I was looking the cop in the eye and it was the first time I’ve ever feared like that. That was a privilege, to never have experienced that before. Since that night, it’s kind of just been like, trying to just do my part that I can as a white person, to use my privilege to help the movement.”
Keji Latio
Third-year studying respiratory therapy
Vice Chair of Student Experience, Undergraduate Black Caucus
“People most know me for my bakery. It’s been a hobby, but then it kind of turned into a community commitment thing when I realized I have this talent and when I share it with other people, they really enjoy it. We were able to raise $4,000 for the Louisville Community Bail Fund in about nine days. [It] was exciting to see how one hobby can mobilize a lot of change.”
Roaya Higazi
Fourth-year studying city and regional planning
Undergraduate Student Government president, signatory of a letter demanding Ohio State break ties with Columbus Police
“It was really important to push our university to be accountable. A lot of times student government plays an apolitical role … To me, and through my lived experiences, this isn’t political. This is something that every Black student at our university experiences. It’s a fear that they carry with them.”
Morgan McDonald
Third-year studying art education
Activist, organizer and artist
“I’ve been doing a lot of educating myself and putting that back into art. I just want people to pause for a moment. Where people look at it and kind of stop and they’re like, ‘Oh, maybe I really need to reconsider that view I have.’ Because if you hate someone, or you have disdain toward someone, and you don’t change that feeling, then you’re just going to continue acting on that hate.”
Amna Rustom
Fourth-year studying strategic communication
Cincinnati for Justice! co-founder
“In the Cincinnati area, a group of students and I have been organizing protests locally. In addition to the protests, we’ve also started an educational anti-racism series. It’s this deep passion for social justice, human rights and that all people deserve dignity. We should all be getting up for human rights, regardless of what our identities are and what we think.”
