The Hate U Give By Angie Thomas

Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “Good done anywhere is good done everywhere.” Social advocacy is important today, for society to thrive tomorrow. The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas explores social activism. The novelThis story follows a black teenage girl named Starr, who is a witness to her friend Khalil’s murder, tensions rise between the community and the police, as many speculate that the incident was racially motivated. As Starr, her friends, and family fight for justice, issues arise that shift the belief of the incident, and of Khalil. Starr learns to use her voice to fight against wrongdoing. The story reflects real life circumstances of social injustice, and how minority groups are discriminated against. A common theme in the

Protecting her rights, Starr kept her identity hidden, as she was interviewed on television. She was given the chance to speak freely about Khalil, and have her voice heard, as the interview was broadcasted. To finish off the interview, Starr was asked one more question. “ ‘If Officer Cruise were sitting here,” Mrs. Carey says, 'what would you say to him?’ ” Starr answered boldly, “ 'I'd ask him if he wished he shot me too.' ” (Thomas 290) The interview was one of the most viewed in the network’s history. With a large community having Starr’s back, she influenced others around her fight for justice alongside her. Starr bravely empowered others to speak up. Her activism had an important role in her community. When Ms. Ofrah offered to represent Starr, and her family, she helped Starr protect her rights, while encouraging her to use her voice. During the protests, Starr reminded herself to use her voice, as she was stepping onto the car to speak. “The bullhorn is as heavy as a gun. Ironic since Ms. Ofrah said to use my weapon.” (Thomas 411). Starr rallied all the protesters, chanting, “Khalil lived” at the officers. Since meeting with Ms. Ofrah, Starr had been reminded to use her voice as a weapon. While Starr was empowering others to speak, Ms. Ofrah was the one that empowered Starr. The story of Khalil goes way beyond one victim of racially motivated police brutality. It is an ongoing cycle that has been repeated throughout history. It is only through activism that equality and police brutality can be put to an end. “It’s about way more than that though. It’s about Seven. Sekani. Kenya. DeVante. It’s also about Oscar. Aiyana. Trayvon. Rekia. Michael. Eric. Tamir. John. Ezell. Sandra. Freddie. Alton. Philando. It’s even about that little boy in 1955 who nobody recognized at first—Emmett.” (Thomas 443). Star lists others in recent history that