Pumped with the energy of last semester’s march to the governor’s mansion, students came together again to rally to the Capitol. Rallying against the voter suppression and cuts to education, students were ready.
Ciara Taylor, creator of activist group Grand Theft Education, was filled with excitement to see those that came out to represent the students of Florida A&M. In groups of two FAMU students marched to the Capitol with posters in hand and chants on their tongue.
Chantal Usher, a 20-year-old FAMU student from Orange Park, Fla. was marching and had on her traveling shoes. “It is important that the students get more involved and stop being cool or cute,” said Usher, “I do not think some students realize that issues that are being addressed can keep us from accomplishing our dreams.”
Among the many speakers of the day was City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, Occupy Tallahassee representatives, Rep. Alan Williams and FAMU’s premier debate team students.
Gillum left the crowd with these inspiring words, “You are not customers of the government. We are not some big business that has customers, you are citizens, and citizens have a responsibility to show up, be involved and demand things of the government.”
Adding fuel to the fire were people involved with Occupy Tallahassee.
Ralph Wilson, Occupy Tallahassee representative’s main concern was representation and awareness. “We got to the governor’s address to the state, and we were literally heard in the chambers. Scott talked about how disruptive we were and congressmen came out, encouraging us to keep it up.”
With the undeniable energy, and unignorable stir of the crowd, Rick Scott could be seen from a Captiol house window observing the rally.
Ricardo Nicolas, a 21-year-old criminal justice student from Boston enjoyed the message and information he received by attending the rally. “As a Rattler I’m proud. We brought the fire and I’m ready for the next one.”
“Students need to know that they had an impact. I think they are powerful, power in numbers, power to the people, power to the masses,” said Taylor.
Capitalizing off the excitement of the previous march the political science student was secondary when it came to Tuesday’s rally. “There is a strong energy on the campus, it just needs to be directed. This semester there was changing in FAMU’s history,” added Taylor.
For the next 60 days legislation will be in session mauling over the decisions that will affect the way Floridians will be voting.