A peaceful crowd of upwards of 400 students and community members gathered at the University of Oregon EMU amphitheater to protest and raise awareness against racism.
A protester at the UO Black Lives Matter march. (Chris Trotchie/Emerald)
Kim Mcgrew, youth pastor at Powerhouse Worship Center in Eugene, spoke before the crowd about the recent shootings in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Texas.
“We want to bring awareness to the activities that have taken place and the change that we need to see,” Mcgrew said. “Regardless of who has fallen, many lives have been affected.”
Mcgrew is from Dallas, where five policemen were killed during a protest on Thursday.
The crowd then marched toward Hamilton Hall, chanting, and arrived at the intersection of E 13th and Agate Street, the crowd stood at the corners of the intersection to allow more speakers to voice their thoughts and concerns. The intersection was also closed due to the Olympic track trials, with many of the track fans in observance of the speeches.
(Kylie Davis/Emerald)
Blair Barnes, a UO journalism student and ASUO senator, was one of the many students in attendance. Having grown up in South Central Los Angeles, he wasn’t surprised at the violence around the country.
“Protests like these are powerful,” he said.
Barnes’ friend Chandler Carroll, a UO advertising major, found out about the march from a text, joining the rally in an effort to support. “It doesn’t matter what race you are. People here stand for justice,” he said.
Pictures of those who have passed away from police shootings, including Tamir Rice, Alton Sterling, John Crawford, Dante Parker, Freddie Gray and many others, were planted in Hamilton Hall lawn as a memorial. The pictures will be left until Monday, according to Black Student Union member Jessica Brown.
“This is pretty tremendous and encouraging to see so many UO Students at this march,” said Dr. Jane Irungu, UO Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement. She expressed her satisfaction with the community coming together in times of distress, and in such short notice.
Protesters marched to 13th and Agate Street (Chris Trotchie/Emerald)
“This wasn’t just a UO march, it was a community march,” she said.
The Black Student Union director of last year, Nicole Dodier, spoke to the crowd as well, saying, “all lives cannot matter until the black community matters,” which was met with applause.
Photos here.
