#BlackatSMU continues to further discussion of race and diversity on campus since its first open forum Nov. 2. The movement has gained momentum and through its many organized events advocating for equal rights.
On Nov. 16, the Association of Black Students (ABS) held a “blackout” at 5 p.m. in Dallas Hall.
#BlackOut today! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
— ABS @ SMU (@SMU_ABS) November 16, 2015
Nationwide, these “blackouts” have come about in response to the resignation of school system president Tim Wolfe at the University of Missouri. This occurred after large student protests over the campus administration’s slow response to racist incidents broke out.
Those who attended the “blackout” did so in support of their peers at the University of Missouri and other universities across America. Students, teachers and community members wore all black and held a banner reading, “SMU stands solemnly with Mizzou #ConcernedStudent1950 #BlackOnCampus.” This event held by ABS worked in conjunction with the #BlackatSMU movement.
#BlackOut this upcoming Monday in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Mizzou. 5pm. Dallas Hall steps. Be there. ✊🏾 #BlackOnCampus
— ABS @ SMU (@SMU_ABS) November 13, 2015
In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, junior Idara Akpan, an officer with SMU’s ABS, said anyone can join to show their support.
“We’re standing together in solidarity, not only at Mizzou, but at campuses nationwide,” Akpan said.
Leaders of the #BlackatSMU movement also announced that black student demands were delivered to president R. Gerald Turner at 9 a.m. Nov. 16. Of the 10 orders on the executive summary, the top priority read “SMU will hold student organizations accountable for racially insensitive conduct.”
As of 9:00 am this morning, SMU Black student demands were delivered to President Turner. #BlackatSMU #BlackOnCampus pic.twitter.com/LfwYRZbzLk
— #BlackatSMU (@BlackatSMU) November 17, 2015
On Nov. 17, #BlackatSMU will host a prayer and vigil march for a united SMU. The Black Seminarians Association and the Justice in Action Committee will sponsor the event, which will be held on the steps of Perkins Chapel at 12:30 p.m.
https://twitter.com/BigDCSW/status/666002426139275265
For more information, visit the ABS website or follow #BlackatSMU.
