Passion Profile: Nupol Kiazolu
Edited by Olivia Deally
Passion Profile, a monthly interview series for the Politics & Activism section, spotlights the community work of grassroots organizers who discuss how the intersectionality of their identity influences their political education and engagement with the world.
In continuation of our Passion Profile series, Parachute has teamed up with Instagram to share interviews with amazing young organizers discussing their work. In this profile, we are featuring Nupol Kiazolu. Nupol organized her first protest at 13, and now at 20 is making incredible waves in activism. In addition to being the president of the Youth Coalition of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York, she has been interviewed by Anderson Cooper and been on the frontlines in Minneapolis as well as other cities.
Nupol is just one of countless examples of the resilience and power of young people who continue to inspire and give hope for the future. We hope you feel inspired by reading about her story of strength and resistance.
How does your cultural background or upbringing impact your organizing?
Nupol: My story is a testament of resilience. I was born to a teen mom in Atlanta and raised in Brooklyn after my father was murdered. I’m the oldest out of six children in a single-parent household and a first-gen college student! As a survivor of homelessness and domestic/sexual violence, my experiences have afforded me the opportunity to view this world through an empathetic lens and it guides the work I do every day. For example, I make sure food and water are at my protests because I understand many people without homes participate in my demonstrations. It’s dangerous to march long distances on an empty stomach. A lot of people don’t think about things like this. We have to make sure we’re taking care of each other so we can be in this fight for the long haul! I’m not ashamed of my story because it made me the revolutionary I am today.
How does social media — like Instagram — serve as a tool for your organizing and community work?
Nupol: Social media is a powerful tool when used for good! Instagram plays a pivotal role in my work as an organizer. I’ve built organic relationships with organizers all around the world through social media. On June 2, 2020, I organized one of the largest BLM demonstrations in world history. Over 20,000 people flooded the streets of NYC in the name of Black liberation and equity. My Instagram and community presence played a pivotal role in making that possible.
“I’m not ashamed of my story because it made me the revolutionary I am today.”
As an organizer, how do you deal with burnout?
Nupol: Learning how to say no was one of the most difficult things ever!!! I used to stretch myself thin. Then I realized it wasn’t healthy nor sustainable to constantly burnout at the end of the day. I can’t keep going if I don’t prioritize myself. I started saying no more and living for me. My very existence is a form of resistance. Black women don’t owe anyone labor. The minute I re-claimed my life, I became free internally. I encourage Black folks everywhere to prioritize themselves!
What does revolution/liberation mean to you?
Nupol: The real revolution won’t be televised because it will take place WITHIN the people! We have to liberate ourselves internally in order to truly progress.
“On June 2, 2020, I organized one of the largest BLM demonstrations in world history.”
What does decolonization look like?
Nupol: The process of decolonization looks like actively unlearning the ideals and values white supremacy instilled within us. White supremacy impacts all of us. You don’t have to be white to be an agent of white supremacy. We must be intentional with educating ourselves, the content we digest and dismantling white supremacy. White people play a key role in dismantling the systems they benefit from. This movement needs accomplices, not allies. One of the most important things white people can do is go into their communities and organize other white people to dismantle white supremacy.
How do we build collective solidarity and mobilization?
Nupol: I always encourage people to organize in commUNITY! There’s so much strength in numbers and solidarity. One person doesn’t have all of the answers. Someone else could fill up your cup where you fall short. In order to build collective solidarity, we have to meet marginalized communities where they’re at, especially in impoverished inner-cities and rural communities populated by Black and brown people! You can’t throw a book at someone and tell them that’s their key to liberation. Folks in these communities are in urgent need of the most basic necessities and the pandemic has exacerbated this. Approach these communities with kindness and resources that will help them. Once you set the foundation for a genuine relationship within the respective communities, collective solidarity is born.
More about Nupol:
Instagram: @nupol_justice
Contribute to We Protect Us — a community service organization founded by Nupol!
Interview with Seventeen
Interview with Teen Vogue
Header via instagram @nupol_justice
