As part of the Holyoke Black Lives Matter at School event, on February 9, 2019, a day of learning and community action, there were presentations by Holyoke High School students from the Ethnic Studies Class, and the Restorative Justice Program, along with a keynote by Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at UMass, Amherst.

On the afternoon, three groups focused on creating a mural project, a poster series, and a media piece in a podcast format.

This special feature includes the recording of Whitney Battle-Baptist’s keynote, and the Youth Conversation with a group of six teenagers from middle school and high school, and their thoughts and experiences around Black Lives Matter.

This is the result of putting ideas, and efforts together, and providing space for youth to get together, share, learn, and grow. Thanks to Dana Altshuler, and Akesa Mafi for putting together this event, and also to Ward 2 City Councilor, Terry Murphy for coming to this activity and speak to the youth, showing support and encouragement.