Kent State Black United Students Stage a Walkout and Protest

November 28, 2014 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us

revcom.us/Revolution received the following report from the Public Relations Director of the Black United Students at Kent State:

Approximately 200 Kent State students gathered in the Kent State Student Center to begin a 2-hour long protest following the jury’s decision to not indict Michael Brown’s shooter Darren Wilson.

The students gathered shortly before 1 p.m. in the hub for the protest. It began with a moment of silence for 4 ½ minutes to pay homage to the 4 ½ hours Michael Brown laid in the street after the shooting.

BUS President Matthew Thompson opened with an address about maintaining unity and moving forward peacefully to combat issues in the black community.

“This isn’t just a moment; this is a movement,” Thompson said.

He went on to discuss the  importance of unity and connecting communities in times like this.

“In tragedies like these, communities can be torn apart or can come together and progress their situation,” Thompson said. “It's important for us at Kent State to make sure we’re being progressive and intentional in what we’re doing so we’re always moving forward for the black community and other communities we serve. Things don’t always have to burn for there to be change.”

Members of BUS proceeded to their student center office to clean out all belongings. Turning in the key declared the organization’s permanent move to Oscar Ritchie Hall, the building BUS members rallied for in 1970s.

A march to the university’s famous rock on front campus followed the move. At the rock, students spray-painted the landmark black, shared spoken word pieces, and lit candles in honor of Michael Brown.

Chants of “hands up, don’t shoot” and “I am Mike Brown” erupted throughout the crowd as the protesters continued their march to the Kent Police Station.

A chorus of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” lead by a member of BUS took place outside of the police station. A few Kent police members watched the rally from the window, but none came out to address the protesters.

A student opened the floor for other to speak up and share names of people who have fallen victim to police brutality. From there, three to four students shared a piece of encouragement and support.

Consistently and repeatedly throughout the protest, students lead a chant saying, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom; it is our duty to win; we must love and support each other; we have nothing to lose but our chains.”

Volunteers Needed... for revcom.us and Revolution

Send us your comments.

If you like this article, subscribe, donate to and sustain Revolution newspaper.