Ep 9. #Woke

#Woke is the ninth episode of the third season of Degrassi: Next Class, a Canadian teen drama television series that explores various issues faced by today's youth. In this episode, several students at Degrassi Community school take part in a movement to raise awareness about police brutality and systemic racism, after learning about the shooting of an unarmed black man by a police officer.

Maya, the lead guitarist of the school's band, becomes increasingly concerned about the issue of police violence after watching several videos online that depict violent arrests and police brutality. She decides to write a song about the issue and perform it at a school concert, hoping to raise awareness among her fellow students and the community at large.

Maya's friend Lola, who is known for her interest in fashion and social media, decides to use her Instagram account to share information about the issue and ask her followers to join the movement. She soon gains a large following and starts receiving messages of support from people all over the world.

Meanwhile, a group of students from a neighboring school come to Degrassi to protest against police violence and racism. They carry signs that say "Black Lives Matter" and "Justice for All" and chant slogans like "No justice, no peace". Some of the Degrassi students join the protest and march with them, while others watch from the sidelines, unsure of what to do.

One of the protesters, a black student named Howard, tells the Degrassi students about his own experiences with racism. He describes an incident where he was stopped and searched by the police for no reason and another where he was called racial slurs by a group of students at his school. His story resonates with some of the Degrassi students, who realize that they have never really thought about these issues before.

As the episode progresses, the students at Degrassi become more and more involved in the movement to raise awareness about police violence and racism. They hold discussions and forums, create posters and flyers, and write articles for the school newspaper. They also confront their own biases and prejudices and learn to empathize with those who have been affected by these issues.

Ultimately, Maya's song becomes a rallying cry for the movement, with the lyrics inspiring many of the students to take action. The episode ends with a powerful scene of the students joining hands and chanting "Black Lives Matter" in unison, a testament to their commitment to the cause and their determination to make a difference in the world.

Overall, #Woke is a thought-provoking and timely episode that explores important issues related to police violence and systemic racism. Through the eyes of its diverse and relatable characters, Degrassi: Next Class does an excellent job of raising awareness about these issues and encouraging its viewers to think critically about the world around them.