Marianne is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as the social services manager for the Marjorie Kovler Center, where she has provided clinical support to survivors of state-sanctioned torture for almost 20 years. The parallels between the current demonstrations in support of Black Lives Matter and the political strength of those she serves at the Kovler center cannot be denied – and Marianne sees her participation in recent protests as a reflection of the greater fight for human rights around the globe.
Why have you been compelled to act during this tumultuous time?
I marched to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Working for 20 years with survivors of torture who suffered under entrenched systems of impunity opened my eyes to state-sanctioned impunity around the globe, and now we must address it here at home. Lastly, I’m a middle-aged white lady who is never targeted by police; I have a responsibility to show up to support BLM.
What do you hope comes from this activism?
Structural change with regard to community safety, and political change to help sustain the structural changes.
Do you have any tips or something you would like to say to others thinking about acting?
Participating in the marches improved my ability to explain to scared or confused people what the purpose was. Know and trust that these marches are organized, providing masks, water, and medics.
Lastly, I recognized marching presents higher risk for exposure to COVID-19, so I got tested as is recommended by public health officials.
