The recent surge of protests demanding justice for victims of police brutality and systemic racism has seen skateboarders emerge as active participants, using their skills and boards in unique and impactful ways. From navigating crowded streets to acting as impromptu shields, skaters have become a visible force for change. This guide, drawing on lessons from experienced protestors and various resources, offers advice on how to safely and effectively participate in demonstrations while staying true to the skate spirit.
Protest Guide Illustration
Knowing Your Purpose
Before joining any protest, it’s essential to understand the cause you’re supporting. Are you protesting police brutality, advocating for environmental justice, or standing against social inequality? A clear understanding of your motivation allows you to articulate your position effectively and avoid being seen as merely an instigator. Consult the protest organizers for resources and information to deepen your understanding of the issues at hand. If your only reason for attending is boredom or social media attention, it’s better to focus your energy elsewhere and consider other forms of support. Remember, protests are not social events; they are critical gatherings addressing serious life-or-death matters.
Consider also whether physical participation is the best way for you to contribute. If you have health concerns or outstanding legal issues, supporting from a distance may be a more prudent choice. Fortunately, numerous protest organizations and bail funds are available to help support protestors; a list of organizations near you can be found in this Google Doc.
Planning and Packing for the Protest
Effective protest participation requires careful planning and packing. Here’s what you should consider:
Friends: Protesting, like skating, is best done with friends. Coordinate with like-minded individuals, discuss your limits, and establish a plan for getting home safely. Friends act as a support system, watching out for one another in potentially dangerous situations. Make sure that at least one person not attending the protest knows your plans and has your contact information, with a set check-in time. Write down emergency contact numbers, like the National Lawyers Guild, somewhere on your body, just in case you need them.
Skateboard: Your skateboard is a multi-tool during a protest. It can display protest slogans, provide a quick escape route, be used for self-defense, and even act as a shield. Skaters have even been seen linking together with their boards to form a barrier, resembling a phalanx.
Clothing: Opt for unremarkable clothing to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Comfortable shoes, like cupsole skate shoes, are a must for all-day wear. Due to ongoing health concerns, and because police will use your identity against you, a mask is recommended, with backups in case it gets damaged or lost. Tying a t-shirt into a balaclava is a quick and effective option. Thick cotton gloves can protect your hands from heat or irritants, and an extra set of clothes can help if yours are contaminated.
Gear: Bring essentials like water and snacks to keep your energy levels up. Watertight goggles can provide protection against tear gas or pepper spray. If you wear contacts, remove them before the protest to prevent chemical exposure. Carry a small amount of cash, but avoid using credit cards or metro passes, to minimize tracking.
Tech: Your phone can be a valuable tool for documentation and communication, but it can also be used to track and incriminate you. Secure your digital presence by disabling location services and data across all apps, using a passcode for device lock, and communicating via encrypted apps like Signal. When taking pictures, keep your phone locked to prevent it from being seized.
Film Air Skateboard Graphic
The Ethics of Sharing
While it’s natural to want to document your protest experience, be aware that photos and videos can be used to identify and target protestors, both by law enforcement and other groups. Avoid sharing images that could endanger fellow protestors by revealing their identities without explicit permission. Before posting, scrub the image of its metadata and blur out any identifiable faces. The website Everest Pipkin’s Image Scrubber is a useful resource for this purpose.
Protest Tips GIF
Navigating the Streets
At a protest, everyone is part of the same cause, regardless of their preferred mode of transportation. Solidarity is key, and knowing the protest’s plan is important for staying on message. Protests can be chaotic, so it’s good to pay attention to the organizers and others who appear to know what they’re doing. Here are some tips for staying safe and effective in the streets:
Stay Calm and Vigilant: Maintain a sense of calm and assess the situation around you. Avoid unnecessary escalation of tensions.
Speak Strategically: Be mindful of what you say, especially to law enforcement. While you may have valid frustrations, understand that harsh words may escalate the situation and have more severe consequences for marginalized people.
Lock Arms on the Frontline: Link with other protestors to form a unified front. This makes it more difficult for authorities to grab individuals. This is where the idea of a “Skater Phalanx” comes in handy.
Keep Moving: Be adaptable and fluid, like water, able to move with the crowd.
Block Open Streets: Try to create barriers to prevent the police from trapping protestors through a tactic called kettling. Keep a close watch on cross streets for potential dangers.
Protect the Vulnerable: Those with privilege should be protecting those who are more marginalized. This means placing your body between law enforcement and the targeted individuals.
Be Ready for Anything: Protest environments are unpredictable, so be prepared for the worst, including violence and escalations from authorities.
Protest Scene with Skateboarders
When Things Escalate
Many protests are peaceful, but tensions can rise, leading to police intervention. Here are some common tactics used by law enforcement:
Tear Gas: This chemical weapon causes blurred vision, skin irritation, and coughing. To reduce the effects, try a smear of lime juice inside your mask, or try sniffing an onion. Former marines recommend pushing through until you can breathe and then washing thoroughly. Experienced protestors may try to use leaf blowers, traffic cones, or water to put out tear gas canisters.
Pepper Spray: This is often used indiscriminately against protestors, causing severe burning and blurred vision. Milk can provide temporary relief, but you’ll need to thoroughly rinse your eyes with water, saline, or a 1:1 mixture of liquid antacid and water. To learn how to rinse eyes properly, refer to this guide on Frontline Wellness.
Automobiles: Law enforcement has been known to use vehicles against protestors. Stay alert and try to create barriers to block roads. If anyone sustains an injury, document it with pictures and notes for possible legal recourse.
Cop Smashing Skateboard
Protest Tactics and Ethics
The question of whether or not to engage in destructive actions during a protest is complex. While some view it as a useful tactic, consider the potential consequences, particularly for marginalized communities. Understand that your actions may be recorded and used to discredit the cause, so focus on protecting human life above all else. Be strategic and don’t escalate tensions unnecessarily. When faced with suspicious items like piles of bricks, consider using them to slow down or block law enforcement rather than causing damage.
Protesters Marching
Dealing with Arrest
Getting arrested is a serious possibility for protestors. Knowing your rights and what to expect can be invaluable. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you or someone you know is arrested:
If You Get Arrested: Do not resist, even if the process is rough. Repeat the following statements: “I am not resisting!”; “I do not consent to this search!”; and “I’m not talking without my lawyer.” If you’re given a phone call, use it to contact the National Lawyers Guild and make note of the timeline of your arrest and the names/badge numbers of the arresting officers.
If Someone You Know Gets Arrested: Document the time and place of arrest and the officer’s badge number. Immediately contact the National Lawyers Guild or CreatureFriend.org. Try to find out where they are being taken and be there to support them when they’re released.
Raised Fist
The Ongoing Fight
Protests are not the culmination of a fight; they are a crucial step in initiating change. Progress requires sustained effort, so take care of yourself and your community so you can continue to contribute. Skaters embody an unwavering determination to push through adversity. As you channel that energy towards the fight for peace and justice, stay safe and keep pushing.
Words/Photos: CK
Original Illustrations: Jeff Mahannah
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