The Plymouth Public Schools were thrilled to welcome Zimbabwean activist Evan Mawarire from the Dissident Project to speak with students at Plymouth Community Intermediate School and Plymouth South Middle School this week. Mawarire is a pastor and democratic human rights activist who found an audience through YouTube videos that went viral, challenging the Zimbabwean government to listen and invoke change. He founded the #ThisFlag Citizen’s Movement to fight corruption, injustice, and poverty in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Mawarire spoke to students about how he was just a “regular dude” with a strong message that thousands of citizens had come to stand behind, thanks to his viral videos in which he ignited hope for change. With the #ThisFlag movement, Mawarire organized successful non-violent protests as a response to unjust government policy. Mawarire has been arrested and imprisoned in Zimbabwe numerous times for his attempts to hold the government accountable. Today, Mr. Mawarire is still fighting to condemn the corrupt regime in Zimbabwe.
“Be a person of courage. Stand up for what is right, even if it costs you.” - Mr. Evan Mawarire
