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Hearts and peace signs, coupled with words of harmony and good will, were inscribed on white boards by students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The arts and crafts activity was called Picket Signs for Peace and was part of SIUE’s Black Heritage Month. Students had a chance to stop by the Goshen Lounge Tuesday, Feb. 10, and create their own posters demonstrating peace. Signs will be displayed in the Free Speech Zone in the Quad during the month of February.

Some of the signs read:

“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” – Mahatama Ghandi

“Violence as an answer has never been found to be creative.” – Albert Einstein

“I have decided to stick with love . . . hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Aren’t we all humans? Then why can’t we live in peace?”

Yemi Gafari, a senior pre-medicine student, was sitting with two of his fraternity brothers drawing “Phi Beta Sigma supports unity.” The Nigerian native said he has been in the U.S. for four years and has been stopped by police several times.

“But I have always been respectful,” Gafari said. “Before I came to this country my mother taught me how to be very respectful to authorities and people.”

“There is a lot going on, not just in Ferguson, but around the world,” said Megan Loker, a junior majoring in social work. She was sitting with two friends and all were crafting their messages. “This activity and the desire for unity helps bring people together from different cultures and backgrounds.”

For a complete listing of events, visit SIUE Black Heritage Month.

All events are free unless otherwise noted. All events are subject to change.

For more information, contact the Kimmel Leadership Center at 650-2686.

The Campus Activities Board sponsors Black Heritage Month.

Photos:

Yemi Gafari and Christian Lee, Phi Beta Sigma brothers, write their messages of peace.

Megan Loker, a junior majoring in Social Work, begins her picket sign for peace.

Thomas Gagen, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, chooses a quote from Albert Einstein for his poster board.