"I WILL STAND UP" THE POWER OF ONE GEORGE FLOYD RALLY AND BEYOND

by Alison Beebe

May 25, 2020: Ariane Davis posted her outrage on social media after the murder of George Floyd. She was quickly challenged by a respected mentor, Bill Jackson “It’s personal for every decent person! What the hell will you do now?” In the next 48, Davis organized a rally at the State House and hasn't stopped fighting -running -organzing -challenging since.

May 30 [Kansas State House] Over 1000 peaceful protestors rallied on the steps of the State House to protest police brutality following the death of George Floyd. This show of support began with prayer. The racially diverse crowd chanted and carried signs with slogans reading “Black Lives Matter” “I Can’t Breathe” “Pro Black Isn’t Anti-White.”

“God was telling me to do this," said Davis. "I just wanted this to be a platform-not to censor people. Just be an open forum. It was all very organic."

Regina Platte Vasser was at the protest and offered a most powerful impromptu speech:

“We’re tired of sitting down. We’re tired of losing our kids. We’re tired of our women being talked down. I WILL STAND UP.

You came down here for a reason, but what are you going to stand for? Are you going to go home and shut yourselves in your houses and wait for somebody else to do it? Or are you going to stand up?"

“Stand Up” the crowd roared in responce.

Speaking with her later, Regina admitted she had not planned to speak. “Something told me to speak. I prayed and felt that people needed hope. I prayed to God that what I spoke was what He wanted me to say.” A Blackbelt Speaker who trained with Ruben West, Regina is an activist, mother and works with at-risk juveniles. “What are we waiting for? When you’re the anecdote to someone’s problems. The breakthrough is here. I can’t see it for you. You have to see it for yourself. We are the steadfast innovators. What better time to be the pathfinders? Change is here. Change is right here.”

Later that day, Davis posted on social media, this time a message of gratitude and her own challenge: “Thank you Topeka for standing up today. We had over 1,000 people there at the capitol and it was peaceful and nothing but love! Every voice was heard. We rallied for a cause and now the real work begins!!! I’m just getting started!!"

June 1 - Present: Davis kept her word and got right to work. In the days following:

Penned a letter to the CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield, her employer. In part it read “I’m not okay right now.” In response Matt All wrote individual messages of support to every person of color and created the Diversity + Inclusion department, of which Davis is now directing

Personally registered several hundred people to vote and is now chair of the voter registration committee at Shawnee County Democrats Was named to the Advocacy Committee at the YWCA

Joined the Strengthening Police and Community Partnership Committee

Works with “Topeka United” a community based organization working towards full inclusion

Called for a special session with of our city council regarding police reform [scheduled for August 25]

Has worked tirelessly to free several young black men by raising bail money and calling for pardons

Held a “Table Talk” for Women at the YWCA

Participated in the ArtsConnect virtual community reading of Frederick Douglas’ “What to The Slave is the Fourth of July”

"When I asked myself ‘what are you doing to mobilize change,’ I was dissatisfied with myself," said Davis. Now, "all I've seen is the power of the community. I feel like I have a purpose."

No longer dissatisfied with herself, but empowered by her own actions, Ariane's work continues.