photo courtesy of Vania Arthur
Point Park University’s Black Student Union shows support addressing recent race issues on college campuses by holding a Blackout Protest to show solidarity towards the University of Missouri on Monday, Nov. 16 in Village Park. Monica Brown, a senior Forensic Science major, was one of many to attend the first protest hosted by BSU this week.
Students gathered on Monday afternoon for a demonstration at Village Park put on by the Black Students Union.
More than 30 students dressed in all black to show their support of the students protesting for change at the University of Missouri. For the past two weeks, a student-run coalition called “Concerned Student 1950” has led demonstrations on the campus of the University of Missouri after a series of racially charged incidents, and graduate student Jonathan Butler launched a hunger strike, demanding the resignation of the president of the University of Missouri System.
Wolfe announced his resignation on Nov. 9 after the university’s football team refused to participate in activities until Wolfe was removed. The protests at the University of Missouri have sparked similar demonstrations at Ithaca College, Yale University and Claremont McKenna College, among others.
Christian Moore, president of the Black Student Union, wanted to not only show support for the students demonstrating in Missouri, but also build a sense of community on campus. “We have the ability to change things,” Moore said.
Moore and other Black Students Union members led a rally where students were encouraged to speak about their experiences and their aspirations for change. Black Student Union secretary Ashley Black stood on the ledge on Wood Street and asked the crowd, “How can we make change?” One voice offered “By changing ourselves,” and another echoed, “Acknowledging the problem.” Two students carried signs offering their support of the protesting students at the University of Missouri.
Black, freshman sports, arts and entertainment management major, hoped students left with a sense of action. “I hope [they] realize education is important. That is something no one can take away from them,” she said. “Hopefully this inspires students to stand up for their rights and stand up for their brothers and sisters around the country.”
Monica Brown, senior forensic science major, said she came out due to her frustrations with racism. “I was fed up. I thought maybe if I came out here in support then something might happen.”
Students gathered in a circle to share their experiences and tell why the movement was important to them. One student shared that he will be the first black member of his family to graduate college, though he added, “I will not be the last.”
Moore stepped into the center of the circle to speak to the crowd of students about their future. “Make your education more than about you,” he said. “Use your career to change society.”
The Black Student Union has a series of demonstrations and protests planned throughout the week, with each day focusing on a new topic. Moore hopes that the demonstrations can spur change within Point Park. “I’d like to see more resources dedicated to minority students to make their experience more welcoming,” he said. “Things like a safe space for [minority students], more courses like African-American studies and more minority faculty would be beneficial.”
