SIUE Student Groups March and Protest Against Violence
The students walked from Lovejoy Library to the Morris University Center to protest police killings of black men across the country. The group, all donned in black, stood silently in the Goshen Lounge. Then in unison, the students laid down in a “Die-In” for a symbolic four minutes to emphasize the death of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old black man from Ferguson, Mo., who was shot and killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. Brown’s body reportedly lay in the streets for 4.5 hours.
While John Legend and Common’s song, “Glory,” from the movie “Selma,” played on the loud speakers, the students laid down with several poster signs draped across their bodies that read: “I am Eric Garner.” “I Can’t Breathe.” “I am Tamir Rice.” “All Lives Matter.” “Peace for Ferguson.” “Black Lives Matter.”
The demonstration was created and organized by several student organizations, said Dr. Earleen Patterson, director of Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR).
“This event was generated from the students, by the students and for the students,” Patterson said.
The students did, however, seek out Patterson and Dr. Howard Rambsy, associate professor in English Language and Literature, for leadership. “The students see us as student advocates,” Patterson said. “We provide leadership, guidance, counsel and support.”
Dr. Venessa Brown, associate chancellor, Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, welcomed the crowd. “It is a pleasure to stand with you today. I also bring greetings from Chancellor Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe, who stands with us to ensure SIUE is a place for all people and emphasize that our efforts to promote ongoing conversations about social justice and change must continue.”
Brown then led a “call and response” with the group of students: “Why are you here?
“We have to find a way to speak peacefully,” came a voice from the crowd.
“Because black lives matter,” came another voice.
“To show respect for the names that we’re wearing,” said another student.
“Why did you do it?” Brown asked again.
“Because we will never forget,” said one voice.
“We’re tired of being afraid,” said another.
“To feel how it felt to be left on the ground.”
“Why should you as an SIUE student care?” Brown queried the crowd.
“We’re tired of being profiled.”
“We’re the next leaders.”
Rodrick Robins, a sophomore majoring in business administration and management, read his response from his Facebook page. He was responding to a post asking, “Why can’t all lives matter?”
“All lives do matter, but the phrase Black Lives Matter has become a thing recently, because many blacks feel like their lives do not matter, like their very being is expendable,” read Robins. “Because when we’re killed, it’s overlooked in society . . . almost as if black lives don’t matter.”
Brown asked the students how they could be a change agent.
“Vote.”
“Graduate.”
“Stop killing each other. Respect ourselves.”
Brown reminded the students of the SIUE values and their responsibility in living up to them and their duty to hold the University accountable to them.
At the end of the demonstration, four SIUE students from Chicago were huddled in the front. Mynita Smith, a sophomore, was holding onto tearful freshman Keyshay Barbour.
“I’m feeling very emotional,” Barbour said. “I’m sad to think of what could happen to my children when I bring them into this world.”
The freshman said she’s years away from graduation, let alone starting a family, but the thought of the harm that could befall her possible future sons caused her to weep.
Her friend, Nya Pittman, a junior nursing major, said she was glad to be a part of the demonstration. “Just participating in it has been one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Pittman said. “It’s been inspirational and positive.”
Photos:
Students participate in protest march and “Die-In” on Jan. 20.
