Protestors Gathered Outside of Rock Hill to Protest ICE and the Deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.
Written By Leanna Sheffield
Opinion
Mars Simpson is a senior at Winthrop University and the president of the Rising Artists of Winthrop (RAW) organization. He was one of the speakers and chant leaders at the ICE protest in Downtown Rock Hill on Sunday, February 8th.
The RMR staff had a chance to interview Simpson after the protest and talk with him about the importance of being involved in activism events within the community. Working with RAW, he has helped organize eight art shows, three concerts, protests, retirement parties and an abundance of RAW art shows and events.
Simpson said he worked with York County Rising, a local volunteer group, to help organize the ICE protest.
Simpson said that he was moved to help organize the protest out of a personal debt he owes to the people of the local community around him who have helped him during his life. His activism is borne out of his wish to return the favor towards those people he loves.
“I personally feel like I don’t know what my life would be without the community around me, seeing my teachers and friends and family come together for a sad cause, but having a good time together…” Simpson said. “I’ve set out to facilitate more moments where the community is rejoicing. If we have to come together over a horrific cause or over the state of the world and political climate, then so be it.”
Simpson said that the most powerful weapon that local communities and protesters around the nation have against the Trump regime is their love for their fellow man.
I think loving each other and going out and being outside together is my first line of defense against hatred,” Simpson said. “We don’t have machine guns, but we have love. I believe there are only two emotions: fear and love. It’s so much easier to be scared than full of love. In a world where there’s so much hatred and violence, it’s hard to stay positive, but you kind of have to.”
If you are interested in learning more about RAW, you can follow their instagram @risingartistsofwinthrop or attend a meeting in Rutledge G-18 on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. during common time.