2021 Gumbo final - Book - Page 86
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black lives matter
C
hange must always start somewhere.
In this case, it began at the Parade Grounds.
LSU students and community members banded
together at noon on September 5 for a march in support of
the Black Lives Matter movement, organized by sophomore
TJ Polk.
“The purpose of the March is for the LSU community
to come together in unity and solidarity with the black
community as we fight for social justice and equality,” Polk
said via Twitter.
This march was in support of the social movement that
advocates against police brutality and all racially motivated
violence against the African American community. The
movement was officially founded in 2013 but is still
promoted greatly across the country to this day. Before the
march, many people rallied at the parade grounds. Many
different groups and organizations were in attendance,
including the Black Male Leadership Initiative at LSU and
LSU’s Men’s Basketball Team with head coach Will Wade.
From the walk’s start to finish, many people joined the march
across campus as they saw it pass.
“The march was centered around the middle of campus,
hitting the quad, the PMAC, then looping back around
towards Williams Hall before the final stretch,” LSU student
Kyron Wilson said.
Another LSU student, Gabriel Espinal, said he noticed the
number of people at least tripled by the PMAC from when it
started at the Parade Grounds. Espinal took photographs at
the event.
“I simply gave support in the best way I know how and
that’s through my lens,” Espinal said. “I felt like I was just
doing what anyone in my position or background would
have done, I haven’t put much thought into it.”
Espinal also adds that change is a process and we must
trust the process. At the march there were speeches given by
multiple people, including Polk and LSU Interim President
Tom Galligan. Galligan has spoken at other demonstrations
like this, including one held in June in the Quad. Whether
personally motivated or not, many people are fighting to
make this crucial change in our country. Making the change
comes in many shapes and sizes, whether it’s attending a
march or demonstration, or something as simple as signing
a petition.
“Attending this march felt as if I was continuing to
do my part to initiate change amidst all of the social
injustices,” Wilson said. “I attended many protests/peaceful
demonstrations this past summer and I see no reason to
stop now if nothing has changed.”
It is pivotal that everyone in the community does their
part in working towards achieving equality for all races.
Opportunities to make change are all around, but society
must be prepared to make that change.
“Next time an opportunity like this presents itself, I highly
recommend engaging in it,” Wilson said. “Whether that be
attending or just sharing the information, you could make a
huge difference in the long run!”