The story really starts in 2018.
In response to the tragic school shooting in Parkland, FL, several students at Firestone High School organized a demonstration in conjunction with the National School Walkout efforts. The success of the demonstration piqued student body interest in activism and, thus, Student Coalition Against Violence was born. Amongst its initial leadership were Bree Chambers and Kody Cross.
A few quiet years passed.
Many of SCAV's original leadership and particularly active students continued their activism throughout the remainder of their high school careers, and several continued into college. However, much of the work was subtle and behind the scenes.
And then we heard the name George Floyd.
After a few weeks of particularly heightened racial violence in 2020, the murder of George Floyd served as the culmination of an entirely broken system. Again we cried. Again we screamed. Again we had difficult conversations.
And again we declared that enough is enough.
So we got to work.
We knew that holding a protest would be important work, but to continue the education, policy change and community outreach that truly dismantle systems of oppression, we knew Akron needed something more. Together with other activist friends, including Ryanne Helms and Mikaia Al Barr, and the passion of the city of Akron, many of the original leaders of SCAV helped grow a small group chat of around 30 to a Facebook group membership of over 1000 in just two weeks. Within the first two days, the group chat expanded to 80 individuals, named 'Akron Minority Council'. One week later, AMC had an executive board, a PR team, a website, dozens of registered members, merchandise, an outpouring of donations and seven committees planning our first mjaor event -- Akron Minority Council's Rally for Justice, June 25, 2020.