Student Activist Leads Peaceful Protests at Democratic Convention

YM Masood, a 20-year-old political science student at the University of Illinois Chicago, has emerged as a prominent figure in recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. His involvement in these protests, particularly during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August 2024, underscores the growing engagement of young Americans in Middle East issues.

Masood, who plans to graduate in December 2024, has been actively participating in weekly rallies and even traveled to support pro-Palestinian encampments at other universities. His dedication to the cause is evident in his role as a volunteer marshal during the DNC protests, where he helped maintain order and peace among the thousands of demonstrators.

The DNC protests brought together activists advocating for various causes, including the Middle East conflict, abortion rights, and immigrant rights. While the majority of protesters remained peaceful, there were isolated incidents of confrontations with law enforcement. The primary message directed at the Democratic Party and its nominee, Kamala Harris, was clear: end the war and cease aid to Israel.

For Masood and his peers, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has become a defining issue of their generation, reminiscent of how the Vietnam War galvanized youth in the 1960s and the anti-apartheid movement mobilized students in the 1980s. The Harvard Youth Poll conducted in spring 2024 revealed that a significant majority of college students and recent graduates supported a permanent cease-fire in the Middle East.

Masood's activism is deeply personal, rooted in his Muslim heritage and family history. He often wears a keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians, which belonged to his father and late uncle. This connection to his family's past activism has strengthened his resolve to continue advocating for the cause.

"Before I got into activism, I was a lot more shy. ... But for me, this is personal. I have this duty to carry on … what (my uncle) stood for and bring new meaning to it."

The protests at the DNC were largely peaceful, with Masood and other volunteer marshals using hand signals to coordinate and maintain order. Their efforts helped create a human barrier between pro-Palestinian protesters and a small group of counter-demonstrators, preventing potential conflicts.

Despite the challenges and occasional confrontations, Masood remains committed to his cause. He plans to vote for the Green Party presidential candidate in the upcoming election, viewing it as another form of protest against the two-party system.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, with the death toll in Gaza surpassing 40,000 as of August 2024, young activists like Masood vow to persist in their efforts. Their message is clear: regardless of who becomes president, they will continue to advocate for peace and justice in the streets, embodying the spirit of youth activism that has shaped American politics for generations.