L-O-V-E

     Today I witnessed something that restored a little bit of my faith in humanity. Outside the Sherrod library at East Tennessee State University, there was a “Black Lives Matter” demonstration. This may not seem out of the ordinary, especially considering the large amounts of protests that have been broadcasted on a national scale as of late, but this protest was different.

I will begin with a little bit of a background information. Yesterday, during a “Black Lives Matter” demonstration much like this one, a young male student had the audacity to wear a gorilla mask, dangle bananas in front of the small group of protesters, and make obscene remarks and gestures towards them. These protesters did nothing to give him reason to do the things he did. They were simply standing in a circle around the fountain with signs that said “Black Lives Matter”. It was a silent protest, they were simply standing up for what they believe is right and they were doing so in an extremely peaceful manner. I, personally, cannot understand why someone would feel the need to put forth so much hate on another group of people, especially when they have done nothing to warrant such behavior. The hateful student was taken away and has been charged, however, that does not erase the hurt his actions brought upon others. It was decided that there would be another protest today at the same time and in the same place. And this is where the story takes an amazing turn.

As I was walking back from my early morning class, I noticed a substantial number of people grouped together in front of the library. The small group from the day before had quadrupled in size. There were students and faculty from every race and gender linked arm and arm holding signs. These signs said things like “Black Lives Matter ≠ All Lives Don’t,” “Spread Love,” “Be Love,” and “Is her life more important than mine?”. There was also a large sign that said, “We Can Overcome.” Others were holding mirrors, and several clubs from around campus were holding signs that said “This Club Stands with Black Lives Matter.” No one was being offensive or hateful. Everyone was just showing support and love to fellow students and faculty. There were no racial boundaries, and no words of hate. It was beautiful.

With all of the bad publicity regarding the “Black Lives Matter” movement, I think that instances such as this should be shared on a wider scale. No one is born with prejudices, it is learned, and the only way to stop it is if groups of brave people stand up for what is right, like they did today. Especially with all of the violence that has transpired in places such as Charlotte recently, I think that people, in general, need to be reminded what truly started this movement to begin with and what it truly means to support it. Unfortunately, there are bad people out there, and they can be found in every size, shape, age, race, and gender. However, fighting violence with violence gets us nowhere, especially not any closer to a solution. Every person was created in God’s image exactly how He wants them to be, and He does not make mistakes. Everyone has a purpose and a place on this earth and no one has the right to take away anyone else’s right to a happy and healthy life. No matter where we come from or what we look like, we are still people.

In conclusion, what I am trying to say is that if we want things to change, we cannot just stand back and watch anymore. Protests like the one today are perfect examples of how different people can peacefully unite to create a better future. Today I am so very proud to be an ETSU Buccaneer.

Romans 13:10 “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”