Interview with Group 133 Member Blakeney Bell

When did you join AI, and why?

I joined Amnesty in at my high school in the spring of 1996, then I participated in the Human Rights Festival and was impressed that stuff could actually be done and that I could affect change in the world.

What was your first meeting like?

It was a weird first meeting. It took place after the Human Rights Fest and it was mostly just a wrap up of that event. The second was an open house meeting where I learned a lot about 133, what was going on in 133, and about human rights.

Can you tell us about your roles in Amnesty?

I am coordinator of the Gyaltsen Drolkar/Gyaltsen Choezom (Tibet) Action File.

What is the most important part of your work (with AI)?

Taking part in protests and direct actions.

What was your best/most successful AI experience?

The coolest Amnesty event was the Jiang Zemin (the President of China) protest because it was an incredible coming together of diverse groups of activists. It was emotionally intense, especially when the motorcade passed - Jiang was 7 ft away from where we were and he represents the oppressiveness of the Chinese government.

The coolest non-amnesty event was the deployment of a several story high banner across from the Chinese Embassy that read, "Clinton and Jiang - Free Tibet before Free Trade." Even though I did not get to repel to hang the banner it was fulfilling nonetheless.

Your worst?

There was never a worst!

Who are your role models?

Gyaltsen Drolkar, Jamyang Norbu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The women of the Chipko movement in India, Rigoberta Menchu, Malcolm X, Tiananmen and Indonesian student leaders, Kudirat Abiola, Hasfat Abiola, Moshood Abiola, Janai Orina, Innocent Chukwuma, Ama Adhe.