In Your Neighborhood: Anna Long

Anna Long, 24

Interview with local citizen, Anna Long.

Question: How long have you lived in Mount Vernon?

Answer: Six years, but I’ve lived in Knox County all my life. 

Question: What is Signs On The Square?

Answer: Signs (On The Square) is a meeting of people on the square every Saturday protesting a theme assigned each week, on a Facebook page called Ohio 7 Watch. We meet from 1 to 1:30 pm, anyone is welcome to join. 

Question: Can you tell us a little bit about the previous Signs, when it started?

Answer: I don't know when it started. Previous Signs have been largely peaceful but things have escalated in the past.

Question: How long have you been attending Signs On The Square, and do you feel like you’re making a difference each week with your attendance?

Answer: Since about June, I try to go every week. I think I’m giving the people who pass by and who agree with what I believe in some hope. Sometimes just seeing that like-minded people are around you is empowering. 

Question: Can you tell me why Signs is important to you?

Answer: Because it’s an opportunity to let our voices be heard on a public level. It’s an opportunity to meet those people that agree with me actively. 

Question: If there was one thing you wanted to tell the city, what would it be?

Answer: I’d want the city to know that they need to do better. They need to listen harder. And city council needs to heed the thoughts and feelings of their citizens who are trying to get through to them. And I would like to see more young people actually making their voices heard in a real way. Actually taking their beliefs to a physical medium. 

Question: Do you have any advice for young people that are looking to make their voices heard but are not sure where to start?

Answer:  Find like-minded people in your community and work with them. It’s easier to make change together versus just one person.