This past Thursday, September 20th, VCU's NAACP held a rally for the Jena 6 in Shafer Court. First off, I was surprised that it was not a very publicized event - I had no knowledge of the rally, I was just fortunate to hear the speakers as I was leaving class. Also, there weren't very many people at the rally - most of the people watching were just passing by, curious of the small crowd and camera crew.
The rally started off with the head of VCU's NAACP stating the facts of the Jena 6 situation, then some encouraging words from professor Shawn Utsey from the African American Studies Department. After that, the floor was open to questions and comments. The most important question asked was, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO AFTER TODAY? Everytime an incredibly racist situation occurs, people rally in anger and support of the oppressed, but nothing is ever done afterwards to further the fight. Racism still exists, and will continue to exist, unless serious actions are made to try and make people aware of the issue at hand.
The rally was quite an eye-opener. It was the first time I had been in a situation where I could hear African Americans openly speak about their concerns about racism. I felt very honored to be an "ally" in the fight against racism, but also very saddened and frustrated by the endless struggle that people have to endure in order to be equal. I wanted to voice my concerns, but I was unable to do so without feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion and grief.
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