Interview with Alanna

The June 3rd East Palo Alto Black Lives Matter Protest in memory of George Floyd organized by 15-year-old Menlo Atherton High School student, Alanna Stevenson, went well by everyone’s estimation. Hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds bearing a variety of signs attended and peacefully matched from Jack Farrell Park and snaked their way through several streets to the Bell Street Park. El Ravenswood interviewed Ms. Stevenson a few days after the protest.

How and why did you come up with the idea of a protest in East Palo Alto? When the story of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, killed on February 23 in Brunswick, Georgia came out, it did not sit right with me. But then George Perry Floyd was executed shortly afterwards on May 25 by Officer Derek Chauvin, and I was overwhelmed with this feeling that I had to do something. Yet another innocent unarmed black man was killed! God put the peaceful protest idea in my heart. Black Lives Matter in East Palo Alto too!

What did you do to prepare for the protest? And who did you work with? I quickly developed a flier and sent the it to friends on social media without parent knowledge and permission. Then, I had on-line meetings leading up to the day with several different organizations. I also met with the Chief Pardini, and one of his commanders to ensure the protest and march was safe for all participants. I also met with Mayor Wallace Jones, Councilmember Gauthier, former mayor Sharifa Wilson, an uncle who is a police officer, two youth organizations: Youth United for Community Action (YUCA), and Live In Peace as the plans progressed.

I learned from former mayor, Sharifa Wilson, that the City of East Palo Alto’s police have policies that help and protect our community. Also, I learned that some police officers are afraid to speak up due to lack of cultural inclusion. Cultural Inclusion means diversity in the police department and black police officers having the freedom and the ability to speak up. During the preparation, it allowed me to learn ways to organize another protest - if I want too.

What did you hope to achieve with the protest? I hoped to get my message across

that it is not okay to kill someone because of their race. We all bleed the same blood. Also, I want change. I also wanted to listen to other people’s voices so that they can be heard as well.

Do you think the protest achieved the purpose you intended it for? Yes, I know it did and believe that there will be a significant amount of change. I also believe that there will be justice for George Floyd and many others. George Floyd’s death was so impactful to the point where the whole world started protesting. There were protests in every state in the country and in internationally in the UK, Japan, Australia, Germany, Denmark, France, Sweden, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, Italy, Kenya, Syria, Brazil, Ireland, Australia, Mexico and more. We all see the inequalities. Something will be done.