Audrey is a curious eleven-year-old who wants to learn more about everything. She is searching for kids in the Rochester area who are doing big things. Today she interviews fourteen-year-old Oscar MerullaBonn, who stands up for the rights of others wherever he can. He goes to Brighton High School and loves to draw. He enjoys spending his free time with friends, playing video games, listening to music, and spending time outside. He loves burritos, pizza, sushi, and the color pink. I heard that you are a social activist. Who do you stand up for? And how? Social justice is quite important to me, and I do what I can to stand up for others. Often it’s in a school environment. I will stand up for people who are in need unless I know it is not my place. A few years back there was a substitute teacher who was acting outwardly racist to some of my classmates, so I, as well as a couple other students, left class and alerted the administration. When I was ten, I was on [local radio program] Connections with Evan Dawson talking about disability rights. Other than that, I just try to help out if I can with little stuff at school. Have you been involved in any protests? Yes, I have been involved in many protests including Black Lives Matter, climate change, March for Science, and a women’s march. Why do you protest? I protest because I know I can use my voice to help others and make a difference. And I believe that anyone could and should stand up for others in need. Also being a part of two marginalized groups (I’m disabled and queer) gives me a different perspective because I know what it’s like to be discriminated against. So, if I can, I want to educate others about those things, and stand up for those who can’t. You love to draw? Yes! Art has been my passion since a very young age, and I’ve continued to follow that throughout my life. Do you have a favorite movie? Oooh, that’s tough. I can answer my favorite shows … (Rick and Morty and Adventure Time). I don’t think I can pick one movie, but some directors/studios I like are Wes Anderson, Henry Sellick, and Studio Ghibli. What is the name of your diagnosis? I have SMA or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and I am in a wheelchair. Have you always had a wheelchair? I got my first wheelchair when I was one-and-a-half, and I got my first power wheelchair when I was three. What do you wish people knew about you or your disability? I wish able-bodied people knew that they should treat disabled people the exact same way as anyone else. Just because we’re not able bodied, does NOT mean we’re not people. Sure, it can be tough at times, but it is a part of my identity! It is not a terrible burden or something to pity me for. I am just like any other person; I’m just in a wheelchair!
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