A large group of students braved cold morning temperatures and thick fog to march towards downtown Bakersfield. They carried signs stating their displeasure at the current presidential administration’s policies. They chanted “¡El pueblo, unido, jamás será vencido! The people, united, will never be defeated!”
And in their eyes, their determination and anger was apparent.
The students were participants of an organized walkout that took place on Jan. 19 to protest the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Shortly after first period, students walked out of their classes and made their way to the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield.
Regardless of the three-hour walk, these students pushed through and kept their spirits high as they reached downtown. Upon their arrival at the Liberty Bell in front of the Kern County Superior Courthouse, the students from Del Oro were joined by those from Mira Monte, East, and several other high schools.
The walkout’s organizer, a junior from East High named Itzel, said it took three weeks to plan the event and required help from friends at other schools. Itzel, who requested that their last name not be used, said one of the goals of the walkout was to encourage students to speak out instead of “just staying behind in the shadows and just being fine with everything.”
Another goal the walkout’s organizers set was to establish clubs at each Kern High School District campus where students would be informed about current events and discover ways to fight back against injustice.
“Even though people look down on [students] for their youth, they are very powerful,” Itzel said. “One voice is enough to get the word out there.”
Although it was students who organized the walkout, the Democratic Socialists of America helped by providing students with snacks, water, etc.
Samuel A., a co-chair with the Democratic Socialists of America, said last year’s student walkout motivated him to help this year. “When we saw them do it last year, we wanted to be there to support them in every endeavor they made going forth,” he said
DSA volunteers helped students reach their destination by providing rides for those who could not continue walking and offering protection along the walkout route.
“A little bit of pressure, every single day, is what is going to change the world,” said Samuel, adding that anyone who wants to help can contact the DSA or join other local organizations.
As the students reached downtown, they gathered around the stage at the Liberty Bell. Multiple people shared stories and messages regarding what inspired them to protest. The students were joined at the Liberty Bell by people from all over Bakersfield, families, and more volunteers, as well as a couple who provided free food and hot chocolate.
One protester was a recent graduate from Del Oro who declined to provide their name. They said they were a child of immigrant parents and were outraged at the harassment and violence people have faced during the current ICE raids.
“You’re seeing it but choosing not to believe it,” they said, adding that their goal for coming to the protest was to speak up for those who were unable to do so for themselves.
They did, however express concern over the fact that fewer people showed up to the protest this year compared to the previous year.
“We need more people to show up and speak up,” they stated. “Like, do you people not care anymore?”
