On Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. on the Great Lawn, Union University hosted the Rally for Racial Justice. The event was an opportunity for students, faculty and community members to engage and address the issues of racial injustice present in today’s world.
Those in attendance were encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and to safely practice social distancing as music, poetry and personal essays related to racial injustice were shared by several speakers.
“Typically, racial justice isn’t something that’s talked about unless you’re a social work major or something like that,” said Mya Putman, a senior social work major. “So, we feel it’s important that we start that conversation with everybody, because this is a Christian issue.”
Putman was one of the three students that helped organize this event alongside Miracle Gray, a graduate student, and Jadelynne Green, a senior social work major. The event was independent of any particular organization on campus, although several organizations were in attendance.
The Rally opened with music that led into the main component of the evening which consisted of several members of Union’s community sharing experience with racial inequality through poetry and personal stories.
Speakers including Dr. Frank Anderson, the Director of the Center for Racial Reconciliation, as well as Greg and Veronica Perry, who are long-time members of Union’s community, and the organizers mentioned above.
“We are an academic institution,” said Anderson. “We have a responsibility to facilitate dialogue and stimulate thinking.”
The evening closed with a word from Dr. Oliver regarding the necessity of events like these taking place on Union’s campus and an encouraging word to everyone present to work towards the goal of seeking racial justice.