Written by: Erica Santiago/Opinion Director
After several racial incidents at the University of Missouri, University students held a demonstration to showcase their support for the black student population.
The incidents at the University of Missouri, better known as Mizzou, included white students yelling racial slurs at students of color, swastikas drawn in feces on dorms and threats to kill Mizzou’s black students.
The series of racial tensions resulted in the resignation of both the university’s president and chancellor, as well as the continued harassment of black students. Mizzou’s black students have reported via social media that they are still being threatened and fear they will be harmed if they go to class.
The demonstration, FIU2Mizzou, was based on the hostile treatment of students of color at Mizzou, wrote TruLe’sia Newberry, the president of Dream Defenders, in her Youtube page.
The demonstration, hosted on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the GC Lawns, was planned hours in advance.
Newberry said that members of Dream Defenders and the Black Student Union reached out to University organizations at the last minute.
“I researched the organizations that both FIU and Mizzou share, such as the fraternities and sororities that are on both campuses,” said Newberry.
Participating organizations included the Black Student Union, African Student Organization, Haitian Student Organization, Dream Defenders, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and four members of the University’s football team.
Participants were standing in a circle, singing and dancing while introducing each demonstrator. Once the introductions were over, the rally took a more serious tone.
One by one, black students stepped into the middle of the circle and explained the importance of the Mizzou controversy. They also shared their own experiences with racial discrimination.
Dashaah Shirley, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and president of the National Panhellenic Council, read aloud the letters that Mizzou’s black organizations sent to its former president, Tim Wolfe.
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Shirley has a special connection to the Mizzou controversy.
“I found out that one of my frat brothers at Mizzou is actually the president of the student body and also an athlete on [Mizzou’s] football team,” said Shirley. “Within my fraternity, we are one brotherhood…his issue is my issue as well.”
Demonstrators marched to the front of the library, chanting, “I’m fired up and I can’t take it no more,” and, “No justice, no peace.”
Once the demonstration reached the front of the library, students lined up, linked arms and started chanting, “I am Mizzou. FIU to Mizzou.”
The rally concluded when organizations, like BSU, HSO, ASO and Dream Defenders, recorded videos stating their support for Mizzou’s black population.
Some videos are available on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Throughout the demonstration, students expressed their anger and frustration toward the harassment of Mizzou’s black student body.
But there were also moments of laughter as the organizations united in solidarity.
“A laugh is like a pause [to] breathe,” said Nykeema Radway, a member of BSU and Dream Defenders and one of the lead organizers of the event.
She said that laughter in the face of adversity is a way of being unstoppable.
“We’re still here,” she said.
Larry Lunsford, vice president of Student Affairs, released a statement proclaiming diversity to be FIU’s strength. He also wanted students to know that there is space for an open dialogue on these issues.
“The Division of Student Affairs has several resources available to support students and provide forums for ongoing dialogue. In addition, any student who ever feels threatened or intimidated should share their concerns with us,” he said.
Students can learn their options for reporting concerns or seek support services by visiting www.PanthersCare.edu or by contacting the Dean of Students Office at 305-348-2797.
erica.santiago@fiusm.com
Image and video by: Blanca Martinez/FIUSM Staff
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