The Berkeley High School World Can’t Wait Club held three assemblies this Monday, December 11, to coincide with Human Rights Day. The assemblies were held over the first three periods of the school day, and each assembly was attended by 19 to 22 classes, with a total attendance of about 1,500 students.
The assembly was hosted by WCW organizer Sergio Garcia, and featured two speakers, Carlos Mauricio and Larry Everest. Two student speakers and club members, Micah X and Daniel Sandoval, opened the assemblies with a brief statement recognizing that the student body’s future faces the serious threat of a world without fundamental human rights, where war is constant and the concept of peace is just that – only a concept. “We are the future and we have a responsibility for what kind of world we live in. So the question is, what kind of world will it be?” The statement addressed the crucial role the youth will play in bringing energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to the movement to drive out the Bush regime, and also showed how the club has the support of people all over the country, with it being part of a nationwide organization, The World Can’t Wait – Drive Out The Bush Regime.
The first speaker to be introduced was Carlos Mauricio, who spoke on issues related to torture and recounted his own personal experience as a torture survivor in El Salvador. He brought to light the real intention behind the use of torture, that it is not a means of gathering information, but rather an act of terror used to repress the public with fear. Larry Everest, author of Oil, Power, & Empire, then spoke on the situation in Iraq, addressing the sheer scope of the war and the effect it is having on the people in Iraq. “In this school of 3,000 students, imagine having 60 of your classmates killed. That would affect all of you”that’s what it is like for the Iraqi people.” He also exposed the “war on terror” as a “war for greater empire,” thus shedding light on the unjust and illegitimate nature of the Bush regime’s policies. Both speakers concluded with a call for the students to take action in putting a stop to legalized torture, unending war, and the overall Bush package by organizing with World Can’t Wait and joining the school club.
Following the speakers was a brief segment of Q&A, with responses from Carlos and Larry. The students asked well thought-out questions ranging from the shredding of the Bill of Rights to the all-important question “what can we do?” Sergio Garcia then concluded the assembly with words of empowerment and inspiration, referencing examples of youth throughout history that came together to change the world in powerful ways, as in the anti-war and civil rights movements of the 60’s. “Each of you are important to this world and all of you have the power to change it, all you need is the desire.” The club members were recognized for their work in organizing the assembly, and a final call to action rallied the students’ to put their energy into action by joining the club and working to drive out the Bush regime.
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