Rally At The Capitol Steps (Nelson Medina & Adriana Rodriguez)

Positive and hopeful were the emotions that one man had when I spoke to him in the crowd of people wearing “STOP HJR24” t-shirts. The large number of community members and students who decided to gather on the steps of the Capitol building on Thursday showed that people are aware of what is happening on the Hill and how the decisions of lawmakers affect our communities.

The rally, “Still We Rise,” was titled after an inspirational poem by Maya Angelou, “Still I Rise,” to show that our communities are strong and full of bright minds and culture, in spite of how the some legislators portray us. Not all of us are delinquent troublemakers. Asaeli Matelau, a member of the Brown Berets and one of the organizers of the rally, spoke out on how difficult it is already for people of ethnic backgrounds to reach higher education. Matelau said that it was hard enough for him to make it to college, but on top of that, this bill would make it even harder by limiting resources for those who need additional funds so that they can obtain a better education. HJR24 would have affected any program that receives funding from the state that is directed towards youth of color, any program that is gender-specific or that helps underrepresented groups. The bill died at the end of the session because Rep. Curtis Oda (R-Clearfield) didn’t have enough votes to pass the constitutional amendment.

At the beginning of the event, the Brown Beret leaders unrolled The Student Bill of Rights--a Bill of Rights that high school and college students worked together to create. A Bill of Rights that stretched from the top of the Capitol building stairs all the way to the bottom where anyone and everyone could sign their names. By signing the Bill of Rights, people showed that they are supporting a positive future for all youth.

Apart from the Bill of Rights, everyone enjoyed watching the different dance performances. The diversity of culture made the performances even better. Along with the dances, community members performed at the top of the stairs. They played instruments and sang beautiful songs that fit our cause.



Lastly, young poets expressed themselves through their art of writing. Poems and spoken word pieces were shared by many during the open mic, and the opportunity was given to say anything anybody felt like they wanted to say. One person who spoke strongly was Jarred Martinez, who is also a leader of the brown Berets and an organizer of the Rally.

Along with Rep. David Litvack (D-Salt Lake City), many people were pleased to hear that HJR24 would most likely go no further in this legislative session. Because of the lack of vote for HJR24, the bill remained circled and died. Litvack told me he believes that it is possible that this bill will come back next year and that this debate is not over. The difference will come in the November elections when the newly elected officials take office.

This fight could go either way next year but this peaceful gathering shows that our communities are involved and are capable of coming together to show our concerns. Although HJR24 failed this year, we must stay unified for next year so that again we will rise.