Group protests Bullying in schools

Christian County, KY  –  One teenager wished Wednesday morning in front of the Christian County Board of Education that more people would stop ignoring bullying.

“I wish people would see it and understand that words hurt people,” Salethia Byrd said during a bullying protest.

Salethia shared with the group that came to protest bullying that she started getting seriously bullied in the sixth grade.  A new girl came to the school, and Salethia said she tried to befriend the new girl.  However, that student began to hang out with people that didn’t like Salethia, which she didn’t know why.  The student began to talk about Salethia, but Salethia cut her off.

A short time later, the student apologized and asked to be friends again.  But the student started talking about her again.  Salethia shut her down again.

“To this day, she is still bullying me,” she said.

She wants people to know how much bullying can impact self-esteem.

Salethia explained she reported the student to the principal, but all the student got was a write-up.

“And that’s not going to stop anybody,” she said, adding she wished consequences were more severe for those bullying.

Her best friend, Anijah Watkins, said she was picked on because she was the odd one.  She didn’t know what it was exactly, whether it was the music she listened to or something else. But it got better for her with time.  Anijah said she just dealt with it and never told anyone.

Bullying protest organizer Adia Snorton Johnson said the protest was sparked by a video of students fighting that recently came out.  After the video was seen, people were calling her to tell her that their child was being bullied.

Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks also stopped by to present a proclamation declaring Wednesday an anti-bullying day.  He also shared a few stories of how he was bullied when he was a child.

Johnson said they had to do something about this.  So, she organized the protest.  But this won’t be the last of it.  Johnson said this will be a continuous effort.  For those who want to join, stop by the Legacy Learning center at 403 Moores Drive, call the center at 270-962-7229 or email Johnson at asnorton2011@gmail.com to find out how to get involved.

Johnson said they will meet throughout the summer and suggested children get involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Hopkinsville-Christian County’s summer camp.  It is $30 per teen.  If the family can’t afford to send the teen, Johnson said she’s willing to sponsor a few.

And if there are any children being bullied or doing the bullying, they have to be pointed in the right direction.