Simbrit Paskins ’15 Co-Founder of Activist Group in Springfield

This past summer, Simbrit Paskins ’15, in collaboration with her partner Stephany Marryshow, founded 413 Stay Woke, Stay Active in Springfield.

The couple first organized a Black Lives Matter protest June 2 in Holyoke, drawing nearly 1,000 demonstrators, and have gone on to organize or co-host protests in Chicopee, Agawam, Ludlow, Springfield, and Easthampton. 

The 413 SWSA mission is to prioritize black leadership and work together with allies to speak out, stand up, and dismantle the systems of oppression.

Through the careful organization of  protests, marches and other local actions for Black Lives, the organization's hope is to continue to grow as a network and a resource for the community. 413 SWSA is committed to providing continuous opportunities for BIPOC and allies to learn, collaborate, volunteer and change the world.

For more information and to learn more about 413 Stay Woke, Stay Active events, volunteering, donating, and resources visit 413staywokestayactive.org or follow on Facebook here.