Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919.

Marching on the Mall

Presentation allows students to be united by their differences

Amanda Pitrof

Students marched together, some with their fists in the air and others with banners and signs, to commerate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington.

Amanda Pitrof and Tara Chlebowski

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“The power to change everything is in your hands.”

This is how Robert Delk, Black Student Union president, described the revolution that the youth have the ability to create at the second annual BSU commemorative “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” on Aug. 28.

The march began at the bike trail next to Rocket Hall and ended at the Student Union steps.

“We bring students together once a year to remember how far we came from that time period,” Delk said. “That was the most, the biggest demonstration during the civil rights movement and it sped up the civil rights [activity] in the past.”

Some of those who participated held signs high throughout the entire walk while the group chanted “I have a dream” and “I am the dream.”

One of the students, fourth-year religion major Shane Royster, seemed to be very passionate about the significance of the march.

“We are taking a step in the right direction. It shouldn’t take a black leader dying to bring us together. I want to be able to see a consistent change in society,” Royster said.

Upon reaching the Student Union steps, several speakers addressed the crowd about the importance of coming together peacefully and educating the community to promote activism.

David Young, advisor to BSU, said he was very proud of the leadership provided in this march, and even more happy at the variety of students that “came together in unity.”

“I see international students,” Young said. “I see students from other Greek organizations, other African American organizations, Latino organizations coming together to talk about some very serious subjects.”

One of the speakers, Donovan Thompson, ran through a timeline of injustices that have been occurring for years and should not have. He explained the community’s need to take part in change and awareness to prevent such incidents in the future.

The injustices Thompson mentioned produced grief for a lot of people, but Delk reminded the audience that this march was not about the anger and sadness created by those events.

“Remember what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for and what this March on Washington was about,” Delk said. “It was about peace. This isn’t a protest, or a violent rally. This isn’t a time to show off for the cameras, this is a time for us to get united as one.”

Katrina Bacome, a community member who works with Students for Justice in Palestine, said she hopes this march will begin to bring greater solidarity between all issues for justice.

“I just want to see people coming together and understanding these issues for justice are connected, all issues for justice are connected because justice is a human rights issue,” Bacome said.

The marchers did not expect immediate change to come from their actions.

“This march isn’t the end all to be all. It is steps after this we need to take to make sure we are taking care of our own communities and uplifting each other,” Delk said. “The students have the power.”

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Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919.
Marching on the Mall