Poly students and activism have long held a strong relationship. Such a diverse student environment has fostered great conflict, but also great conversation, both in years past and today. No matter what the date is, Poly students have not shown themselves as shy about being heard.
Back in the 1970s a violent altercation occurred between black and white students. The 1970s were an interesting time for racial relations at Poly.
The Long Beach school district had just officially desegregated schools in 1972, which brought momentous strides, but also great social tensions. So when racial violence occurred at a local theater, students were aware that something had to be done.
A large group of African American students gathered at King Park and marched to school in unity. Upon reaching Poly they held a sit-in in the quad as a powerful example of student alliance that, as Mr. Shock said: “[Brought] attention to the racial tensions that were taking place at Poly during that time.”
It was this sit-in that sparked the formation of Poly North, which is one of the only lasting student relations camps in the school district and a cherished destination for those who’ve visited.
On-campus activism has not been solely reserved for the past. Students still voice their opinions and work towards social change today, but now in the form of clubs. These activism based clubs use discussion, activities, and hard work to express their ideals and create a safe place for those who have faced the flaws in modern society that the clubs are trying to combat.
The impact of clubs has not gone unnoticed. Last year Poly held a mandatory assembly to bring light onto the issue of human trafficking in America, where a survivor shared her heartbreaking story and educated our school about the dangers of this issue. This was due to the diligent work of Poly’s Anti-Human Trafficking Club, whose modern day activism has now brought awareness to thousands of students.
Social activism at Poly has always been done by the hands of students who care. Strides taken by students have changed the way our school functions and thinks, proving that we are the ones with the real power and we are the ones with the responsibility to make change.
So if you’re a Poly student who is angry, don’t be afraid to stand up: you’ll have a whole community standing behind you.
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