Patches for Palestine is a project I’ve been working on since the Cal Poly Humboldt student Occupation began. The project’s goal was to spread awareness and raise spirits during the occupation of Siemens Hall. The protests united the student body in new ways, and from them came a collective understanding of peace and unity. I created and distributed patches to members of the protest, specifically those who helped organize, comfort, and keep everyone safe during the unsure times that were the protest.

The most memorable and impactful pieces I created were the “BONK” Patches. The BONK patches showcase a water jug with the word Bonk on it. The jug symbolizes anti-police/anti-militarized police sentiment stemming from the numerous protests on college campuses against the genocide in Palestine, specifically referencing the instance where an unknown student grabbed an empty water jug and began banging a riot police officer’s head with it. The “BONK” video went viral online, becoming an internet sensation, inspiring art and music, and a symbol of student empowerment against administrative systems and government. The two other Patches I created were a “Free Palestine patch” and a “Fuck Tom Jackson” patch. I really wanted to express my frustration with the former president of Cal Poly Humboldt. I was already very angry about his past decisions (ex., Kicking out homeless students, prioritizing student housing to freshmen/kicking out seniors, covering up Title XI cases, countless money grabs, and overall lack of connection to the student body.) With that patch, I was able to capture the feeling toward him that everyone felt as he directly approved the rounding up and arrest of students, as well as sending over 200 militarized police onto campus to do so. So FUCK him.

I gave these patches away for free during the occupation. However, after the occupation ended, I started selling the patches to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. Since starting this project, I have raised over $750 and growing.

Now, this project has evolved into something more, with BONK Stickers, totes, and T-shirts. All to raise money for Palestine. FREE PALESTINE!

Any contribution to Doctors Without Borders would be greatly appreciated if you're willing and able to donate. Thank you for your support!