At 5:44pm as the Rooke Chapel bell rang, the grey and clouded sky parted to allow streaks of sun to break through; the Solidarity March had begun and the only sound that could be heard was footsteps on pavement.
I recently read an Odyssey blog-post written by a student at another Patriot League institution. In his “call to arms,” the author claimed that the students at his university had been lied to; the institution, to which he belongs, is not as inclusive as it expressed itself to be. He wrote: “It is no secret that this community is comprised of people from incredibly diverse backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and experiences. This diversity, however, hardly feels present on campus, and as such many people feel marginalized and shoved away like their lives and their contributions do not matter” (Stowers).
While no college campus is perfect, in 2015 academic communities can do more to ensure the safety and happiness of its faculty, students and staff. I cite Will Stowers’ article not only because I sympathize with his piece—I, too, am eager to create a more inclusive and open-minded community on my college campus—but also because I’m proud of Bucknell students’ efforts to eradicate gender, racial, religious and sexual discrimination on campus. Though there is still plenty of work to be done, last Tuesday’s Solidarity March was an exciting step in the right direction.
At 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 6th, over 1,000 faculty, staff and Lewisburg citizens gathered together on the Academic Quad to silently walk to Hufnagle Park. Aiming to bring attention to all those who have lost their voice due to discrimination, the Solidarity March gave community members the chance to reflect on the issues and work towards change. Kimberley Nidah, one of the event organizers, hoped the evening would “…acknowledge those who are silenced not just in [our Bucknell] community, but everywhere.” Another event organizer, Catherine Peebles also “[hoped] that students [would be] inspired by the bravery of their peers.” Also noting “I hope that members of the community can reflect on how they can act courageously on a daily basis…”
Before the march officially began, El McCabe urged the audience to take heed of this moment and remain quiet as they walked downtown. Participants’ silence would “help undo the silence already in existence [at Bucknell].” With that, at 5:44pm the march began and all were respectfully silent.
As a senior who has often walked from campus to town, I was surprised at how long a short walk could feel when done completely in silence. While this experience was new and perhaps a little odd at first, my time of quiet reflection gave me the opportunity to ruminate about the school and community I love. Watching the crowd slowly file their way to Hufnagle I became inspired. The fantastic performances at the park convinced me that our community is ready to be put to task. The words of hate last Spring and the actions done this Fall have not been forgotten and will not be swept under the rug. Hearing from Ella Johnson, Danielle Taylor, Jackson Pierce, Exreme Creativity, Mary Oluokun, Beyond Unison, JoAnne Henry and Andy Seal empowered me and other March participants to do more…to be more aware of the people marginalized on Bucknell’s campus and to do better.
We do so much Bucknell, but we can be better citizens and community members. The discrimination and marginalization of people based on race, religion, gender or sexuality cannot be our lasting legacy. The members of this community are diverse and we should celebrate difference. All lives matter. You know that, and I know that.
When asked to share some last words of advice, Seniors Peebles and Nidah expressed their hopes for acceptance to become a reality at Bucknell. They both wished Bucknell students would not feel ashamed for being unique—“no one [should feel] that they have to fit a mold in fear of being criticized and victimized if they don’t”—and encouraged community members to continue promoting events on human rights: “[students] are the most powerful force on this campus. We make Bucknell, Bucknell.”
I congratulate the Social Justice Residential College, Ubunu, Athena, GSA, BSU, Active Minds and the Students for a Free Tibet for putting together this year’s Solidarity March. You reignited our community’s commitment to be inclusive and caring to all those that walk through the Christy Matthewson gates and work on this campus. Thank you for giving me, and so many others, this opportunity.
#stopthehate Standing in solidarity. Undoing the silence.
Sources:http://theodysseyonline.com/colgate/the-lie-colgate-told-us/182936