Viktoria Wulff-Andersen

CT, USA
PLE 2020

“My family-time group, with individuals from Azerbaijan, India, China, and more, became my family the more we collaborated and laughed together. Our differing backgrounds exposed me to new cultures and perspectives. In one of the most influential lectures of my YYGS session - the lecture on right-wing populism - students from completely different countries banded together to criticize the mishandling of the pandemic and corruption within their distinct governments. I think that’s what made me realize that however diverse we are, the younger generation is united. We will mature together in ways that influence one another.”

I can remember the feeling of frustration and helplessness after George Floyd’s murder. I like to say I’m a white ally, but truth be told, I don’t think or acknowledge systemic racism as often as I should. I wanted to do more, to be a better friend, a better civilian. The only tool in my toolbox was my journalist platform. So, I used it.

I contacted one of my closest friends, Alicia Jacobs, to give me insight on the perspective within the Connecticut black community on Black Lives Matter, especially regarding its importance to their livelihood. She gave me contacts to interview, such as the Hartford Black Lives Matter protest organizers or Danbury High School’s Student Body and Black Lives Matter club president. From there, I worked diligently to not just gather but listen to the stories of my black and POC peers in Connecticut.

There were issues they faced that I didn’t even notice on a regular basis: fearing that their fathers won’t come home as a result of getting pulled over, feeling the stares that linger when they enter stores, hearing only criticisms about the Black Lives Matter protests when these are the protests that are fighting for their lives. Personally, I gained incredible insight into the terrible consequences of systemic racism on youth that aren’t acknowledged by mainstream media. I wanted to make sure their stories were heard. I wanted to make sure that I could stress the importance of the Black Lives Matter protests in a way that opened people’s eyes and encouraged them to fight for racial justice beyond the two weeks following Floyd’s death.

I worked for days to perfect my article, incorporating jaw-dropping statistics on the impacts of police brutality on the black community, participating in a Black Lives Matter protest in my city to witness the emotions and thoughts of protesters first-hand, and contacting Jacobs to edit my piece and ensure that all black youth voices are framed correctly and the appropriate language is used.

Ambassador Year: 
2020