Posted Sunday, March 11, 2007, The OG, multimedia & in depth

IN LATE JANUARY, several Uni High students joined scores of participants in an anti-war rally in downtown Champaign. Junior Shara Esbenshade helped to organize the demonstration, sponsored by AWARE, the Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort. The rally, held Jan. 27, was scheduled to parallel the United for Peace and Justice anti-war March on Washington the same day.

But how effective are such protests as means of social change? Do they still retain the power to move people, or have rallies, marches, and other traditional forms of public protest lost their relevance? What ought to be the proper role of protests in today's world? In this audio slideshow, Esbenshade discusses that issue with fellow junior Carl Zielinski.

For those interested in following up on this conversation, the Uni High Activism Club will hold an open forum on “The Role of Protest in the Anti-War Movement Today.” The forum will be held Tuesday, March 27, in Room 109, beginning at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

NOTE: All photos in this slideshow are from the Jan. 27 protest in downtown Champaign.

Photos: Jason He

Producer: Jason He