Students activate in movement to fight inequity
Following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, protesters, including many in the Harvard community, took to the streets in dozens of cities across the globe. Student artists, meanwhile, looked for ways they could use their talents to contribute. A group of University undergraduates and recent grads decided to go with their strength: Host a show to raise funds for organizations promoting social justice and police reform. “We had experience putting on shows, so we got rolling immediately,” said Freddie Shanel ’21, a member of the Harvard College Stand Up Comic Society (HCSUCS). Joining with the Signet Society, the comedy group put out a call for performers for an online variety show. A sign-up sheet filled up within hours, and the resulting Freedom Fundraiser, held on May 30, featured a score of live remote performances, raising $14,000 through its Givebutter page and Venmo account. (The event was recorded and can be...