Students stage march for unity

More than 50 college students and community activists turned out Monday for a “unity march” at McNeese State University sponsored by the Progressives of McNeese State, the McNeese chapter of the NAACP and the International Student Association at McNeese.

“When I started out at McNeese as a freshman two years ago I was just astounded by the lack of activism on campus,” said Miyah January.

January, who plans to go to law school after graduation and to be involved in politics, said she couldn’t find a group on campus that she felt lined up with her personal and political views so she started her own and is now president of that group, the Progressives of McNeese State.

“I believe that we should all think and form our own opinions when it comes to important issues but I looked around at McNeese and all I saw was complacency,” she said. “That’s how this group began and we now have dozens of members and are growing more each day.”

The march began in the quad and went around a winding path and back to the starting point, with senior David Palmer leading the way and participants chanting: “We will not be divided; we will all be united.”

“It’s important to be visible and have your particular voice heard,” Palmer said after the march. “Love, inclusiveness and unity will ultimately win out. The turnout today and everyone coming together as one is better than anything I could have ever dreamed of. It’s simply amazing.”

Querencia C. Joshua, president of the McNeese chapter of the NAACP, said, “As a young black woman it’s essential that I speak up and it’s even more important that I’m actually heard. A peaceful march is key; people will listen if you go about it in the right way and you bring your issues to light peacefully. Our goal today was to try and unite the campus as a whole and to bring unity to all people. I think we accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”

Holding a sign with handwritten messages of hope, student Tobi Adasofunjo of Nigeria said he’s tired of the “current political rhetoric in our country.”

“The world should accept all people,” Adasofunjo said. “No harassment; just acceptance. We can make a change if we really want to. It starts with us.”

Freshman Fred Haywood said he wasn’t sure what to expect when he decided to join the march.

“I’m young but I think it’s important to get involved,” he said. “If you don’t get involved, you won’t be able to make a difference. I believe in social justice for all and that’s why I decided to take part in this march.”