Ask An Intern: What Does TurnSignl Mean to You?
This summer, we asked our marketing interns about their experiences living in Minnesota over the past year, and what being part of the TurnSignl team meant for them. You may already have read our first feature with Sheng & Mykal, but now we’re excited to share what Anika and Duaa had to say:
Anika Hanson
TurnSignl Intern
Loyola Marymount University
What Brought You to TurnSignl?
In 2016, when I first heard that Philando Castile was fatally shot by Minnesota police, I was in disbelief. I was aware that racial injustice was a major issue in the United States, but was under the impression that these injustices were not as prevalent in my home, the Twin Cities, as they were in other parts of the country. I, along with other white Minnesotans, blindly thought this was a safe, welcoming place for ALL people.
The reality is that Minnesota has some of the most severe racial disparities in the country. It shouldn’t have taken Philando Castile’s murder to open my eyes to my own privilege, but I am grateful for the work of Black activists and organizers that allowed me to see it. Now, I have better tools to fight against the systemic racism that persists.
In recent years, it’s become clear that we can’t always rely on people in positions of power to keep our best interests in mind. As a young woman first learning to drive, I was taught that if I ever get pulled over at night, I should always pull over into a well-lit area that would have a nearby camera to record my interaction with the police. It’s reassuring to know that I can use TurnSignl in situations like this, and especially to know that a real human being with my best interests in mind is on the other side of the screen.
Who Do You Think Needs This App?
TurnSignl is an asset for everyone — the BIPOC community, the LGBTQ community, people who identify as women, for families, and anyone driving a car — but especially for young people. It’s easy to look down on us and take advantage of our lack of knowledge, but TurnSignl puts a trained attorney on the phone to ensure we’re granted our civil rights and to get us home safely at the end of every single day.
Duaa Ibrahim
TurnSignl Intern
University of Minnesota
What Brought You to TurnSignl?
The murder of George Floyd was a turning point for me. As a black woman, of course the harsh realities of being a person of color in America have always been painfully apparent in my life, but 2020 was the first time I was moved to action. It didn’t feel like enough anymore to simply sit around and discuss the plight of the black man in the United States, or to memorize statistics and talking points, if only to regurgitate them in public as a signal of my being “woke”.
For me, the events of last summer seemed to remind everyone that the fight for freedom from injustice is not a battle of wit, instead it is a lifestyle. It forced me to start seeing the world through that lens, and to reflect on whether I was taking actions that sincerely advanced that cause. When searching for a summer internship, I kept this newfound vigor for social justice — active, proud, and intentional justice — in mind, and it led me to TurnSignl.
Even though I don’t see myself as a primary target of police violence, having the app gives me a level of calm that I think everyone deserves. The anxious reaction that many of us have when driving past law enforcement seems almost universal, but in my case, that’s completely dispelled with TurnSignl on my phone’s home screen. As a fairly new driver, the app also helps me feel sure that if I do get pulled over, I will know what to do.
Who Do You Think Needs This App?
Honestly? Everyone.
Building a Better Future With TurnSignl
The mission of TurnSignl is to protect drivers’ civil rights, de-escalate roadside interactions, and ensure both drivers and law enforcement officers return home safely. We are making peace of mind for drivers our number one priority, and we are committed to creating a more dynamic, inclusive future for everyone.
If you’re interested in trying the app for yourself, it is currently available in Minnesota and Georgia, and rapidly expanding nationwide.
