Joining the Trail
My name is Wooten Gough, I am a first year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I am called to walk on the Trail of Dreams to Washington D.C.
The Trail of Dreams is a path that started in Miami, Florida with four truly inspirational and courageous people, three of which are undocumented. They have been walking since January first of this year, making their way to D.C. for equal rights and higher education for undocumented students in the U.S.
When I first heard of them, like many, I was shocked and curious. I wanted to know more about these people who were taking such a creative and interesting action to get justice for them, their families, and their friends. I emailed some one working with them asking that they speak at my school. This past Monday (April 5th), they spoke on the steps of the oldest library on campus and then something happened afterward that was beautiful.
Around 50 to 60 people met on Franklin Street Chapel Hill to join the original walkers to walk in solidarity with them to Durham. As I looked around I noticed that the majority of the participants were students and I was filled with utter joy because there was so much love among the crowd. Gabby, one of the walkers from Miami, said that on the trail they want to create and share love. The love grew as we walked that day.
So what is next? I am called to walk with the Trail of Dreamers the rest of the way to Washington D.C. I can no longer wait around to see what might happen, but instead stand up and fight for what is right! Each step on the Trail of Dreams is for a real person, a real face, a real life, and above all, each step is for the dreams of a student. This is not just a Latino issue, this movement is for anyone who has ever been told they cannot accomplish something, for anyone who has a dream. I have spoken with each of my teachers and they all have agreed to let me walk and so I will join the Trail April 18th.
