Select Page

Six days after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Oshkosh was one of more than 500 areas across the country where people took to the streets in what is perhaps the largest protest movement in U.S. history.

Black Lives Matter supporters gathered, marched and demonstrated in the days that followed Floyd’s death in all 50 states and in more than 40 percent of counties across the country, demanding accountability for the injustices witnessed not just in countless viral videos but also the racism that’s a part of the everyday lives of millions of Americans.

Imani Ware, who earned an associate degree in radiology from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in the spring, helped organize two peaceful rallies in downtown Oshkosh within a span of a week, uniting hundreds of like-minded people in and around Opera Square in what has now become a global movement.

A few weeks removed from those events, we talked to Ware about why she felt compelled to step up as a leader in her community, what she experienced during the rally and what others can do to be better allies in the quest for racial justice.

How did you come to be among the organizers of the Black Lives Matter rally in Oshkosh?

Being among the individuals who helped establish the peaceful rally in Oshkosh was done to allow the community to get involved and raise awareness following the tragic incident with George Floyd.

Why did you decide to take on a leadership role? I’m sure it would have been much easier to just participate.

The individuals within the Oshkosh community taking on a leadership role were needed just to create direction. Once the community had awareness, we all became leaders in our own individual way. It was more of a team effort, with the help of others in the community, coming together as one for involvement. Lots of people came to the forefront and each individual within my Oshkosh community came together to use their voice.

We even had great leadership help from the Oshkosh Police Department. Police Chief Dean Smith, Capt. Becky Kaiser and Sgt. Jeff Nelson were in attendance to not only speak about the incident with George Floyd, but also to rally and hear the voices of the Oshkosh community. Seeing Oshkosh police not only attend, listen and speak made a difference. Everyone got to speak and express emotion on the forefront which was much needed.

Officer Nelson also offered excellent help with our routes for the rally and really helped prevent rioting, damaging the city and possible angry opposition. It was kept peaceful overall and that was the end goal. With the extra help from the Oshkosh Police Department they helped us reach that goal.

Do you have a history with community organizing, activism or anything like this before? 

As I am a Black woman, the war for us is already harder. I am already fighting this battle every day just by being born as who I am in society. I will continue to fight for my community by putting myself in the academic and societal positions needed to bring about the awareness and change needed. Education is important and it starts there. As I continue to pursue my educational degree, I will advance myself for change within the community by networking through my community on my career path.

Were there any moments from that day that stand out to you as especially moving? Maybe a memory that you’ll remember years from now? 

I really cannot pick a particular moment from the day of the rally that will stand out to me. Every moment was moving and heartfelt. Just to see everyone come together as one, peacefully and filled with emotion was my highlight. Viewing that warming aspect of my Oshkosh community was beautiful.

Any advice for people who want to be an ally but aren’t the type to march in the streets? 

Anyone, anyone, and I mean anyone can be an ally! My suggestion to those that want to get involved within the rally movement is to please educate! Take those African American history classes, learn about Black history. That’s where it starts—research. A lot of people want to be an ally but have no idea where to start because they are looking at things on a smaller scale, which is a Black man being killed by a white police officer. Read up on the pain, struggles, freedom and renaissance of the Black community. Once you are educated on the lives and struggles of the Black community everything will come full circle. And also don’t be afraid to ask for help. Fear can prevent a lot of things from moving forward. If you would love to get active, whether participating in a peaceful rally or even taking that African American history class, take that leap of faith!

Learn more: