JUNE 15 “THIS WEEK IN THE MUSIC OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE”

Girifna is not a common name in the history of nonviolent resistance. But, in the past few years, few organizations have been so courageous.

Girifna, a youth organization in Sudan which was created in the late 2000s to register voters, call for social change, and protest government arrests and killings, has grown to become a large organization led by students.

On June 17, 2012, students at the University of Khartoum gathered on campus, some members of Girifna, others unaffiliated. The students spoke out about police raids on female dorms and beatings of female students. As the news broke out on campus, students gathered on the university’s main avenue and chanted in unison.

These actions spurred others, and over the next few days daily protests called for regime change.

Chanting is a powerful tool of nonviolent resistance and can unite a crowd in the spirit of community and courage. For more information on Girifna, visit their website.