5 Peaceful Protests That Led to Social and Political Changes

Peaceful Protests work. Real political, social change stems from acts of nonviolence. While media bombards us with stories of bloodshed, the true spotlight should be on those standing together today asking for equality for all.

Peaceful stances against unequal civil rights have been successful throughout history and nonviolent movements can lead to meaningful systemic change. Reflecting back on several landmark moments can act as a guide for action in these tumultuous times to gain equality for all lives in society.

• The Salt March - “Nonviolence is an intensely active force when properly understood and used.” – Mohandas Gandhi

• Suffrage Parade - “We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers.” - Emmeline Pankhurst

• Delano Grape Boycott - “I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of humanity, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally non violent struggle for justice.” - Cesar Chavez

• Montgomery Bus Boycott - “People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” — Rosa Parks

• Singing Revolution - “Land of my fathers, land that I love / I’ve given my heart to her / I sing to you, my supreme happiness / My flourishing Estonia!” - lyrics from Mu Isamaa, On Minu Arm

See more details on these nonviolent protests at: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/peace-protests-dallas-response/

• Singing Revolution - “Land of my fathers, land that I love / I’ve given my heart to her / I sing to you, my supreme happiness / My flourishing Estonia!” - lyrics from Mu Isamaa, On Minu Ar