“Black Lives Matter” and “Say Their Names” were the summer slogans. After the public execution of George Floyd, the blatant murder of Amaud Aubrey, and the senseless murder of Breonna Taylor, millions rushed into the streets of America. They protested for the freedom to live in a country without the threat of police brutality looming over their heads. Black people were tired of the constant threat that followed because of skin color, and everyone else who agreed was tired of witnessing it. The spring and summer of 2020 will be two seasons that go down in history.
Last summer released a giant from its cage that had barely been kept at bay before; racism. The foundation of America was built on the grounds of division, hatred, and greed. Those qualities kept many in power and drove many into specific careers, such as lawyers, police officers, and judges. The American people were tired, and for months, protestors poured into the streets of our country and all across the world. Black lives did indeed matter, and we were fighting to show it.
Friends were divided because real emotions were expressed. Many chose to continue to live in the fake reality of white supremacy and superiority. In contrast, others chose to educate themselves and do everything they could to show support for their black friends, neighbors, and neighbors. The world was shifting, and as with any change, there will be those in support and those who will not.
The chilly winds of autumn swept across the east coast, and it was time to go back to school. A chaotic time it had most definitely been, and many had not seen campus since being sent home in March due to the devastating news of Covid-19 breaching our borders. The conversation of the embedded racism in this country and black lives matter, many once had through social media and text messages, but classes had resumed, and it was time to face a diverse campus.
“I think after this past summer people are waking up to the discrimination going on in America. More people have been calling out injustices and speaking up,” said Kindeya Green, a student, while Jessica Talia, who attends the same campus, also shared her view.
“I feel that my peers more so seemed a little more cautious around me and that the word ‘protest’ became a big taboo within my non-black friend group, however, it was only temporary and then things aligned back together to good normalcy.”
Life had changed in America. Two pandemics had crashed into our world; racism and Covid-19. When you are a student, many conversations will be held in classes that you do not wish to be apart of, but those same conversations are going to be held around campus amongst your peers. As young adults, our real opinions are beginning to form. At home, we are under the watchful eyes of parents or guardians, and their views will most likely become our views. Those taught to believe in people’s division due to physical features and color were battling their minds, while some stayed complacent in what they were taught.
Colleges should bridge that gap between students of different backgrounds because that is how we learn and how the world can move forward in uniting and pushing racism out of our world. It is essential to do because many do not know much about other cultures, so specialization arises, which leaves too much room for unwarranted opinions. Green went on to say.
“Colleges can open the floor to its minority students to speak their minds. Many people try to help by speaking for black people but it’s not helpful when it’s not coming out of our mouths. Unity on campus is vital for me as a student. During my college search, diversity was a major factor in my decision. Mercy has a wide range of students making me feel safe and understood on campus.”
To feel united and school spirit on campus is essential. Otherwise, you do not have much, just students on campus attending classes. That is not what college life should be. When teens, turning into adults, can finally escape the clutches of their parents, who could have a positive or negative impact on their lives, they should be awarded the opportunity to learn about different cultures to eliminate any selfish or racist ideas they may have formed at home. White people do not live in America alone, black people do not, and neither do Asians or Hispanics, so unity is something that is of great importance. We attend school for an education, and some people need to be taught unity and kindness towards those who do not resemble them.
“I never had any qualms with my friends towards the BLM conversations, they actually became more open towards it which gave me a good smile. I think colleges can bridge the gap between different cultural and ethnic backgrounds by establishing more clubs and events to celebrate the many cultures that do exist. If colleges can create events that express an appreciation for all cultures without appropriating it within the process we’d have smoother roads, surveying students would be great as well. Unity on campus is important to me as a student because it lets me and others know that it’s completely fine to be yourself without feeling like an outsider. Now I know not everyone could agree with it at first because why should we be United when there are people that would be disgusted if the thought of all backgrounds of culture to be together, but it would be great for everyone to acknowledge everyone in the sense without stepping in or trying to place which culture/background is more superior than the other. I guess where I’m going with this is it’d be great if everyone could be United as a whole while embracing the individuality we all possess and showing appreciation for it,” said Talia.
Her words are the truth of the matter and should be understood. When students feel united on campus and not like they are outsiders, their lives can turn out way better. They will participate in more activities and especially activities that seem like they are for them. Cultures should be united because that is how you win. When you live a secluded life and allow racism to interfere with your emotions, that will eat at you like cancer until eventually, you are nothing but a ball of hatred. If students do not want to attend clubs or activities on campus and wish to stay in a place of darkness and false segregation that dwells in their minds, that should be up to them. Schools fail at helping when they do not provide the proper outlets that will contribute to their students’ unification. It is what is needed in our world right now more than ever.