Tarleton student to hold silent Black Lives Matter protest
September 26, 2016
Renee Warner, senior at Tarleton State University, wants to raise awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement, pushing students to use their voice to change the world and stand up for what they believe in, by organizing a silent protest.
The silent protest will be held in front of the Barry B. Thompson Student Center today through Wednesday from noon until 2 p.m.
The protest is going to be silent, supporters will wear duct tape over their mouths and black shirts. Protesters will also carry signs supporting the BLM movement.
“We will show that as Black Lives Matter supporters, we do not have to become violent, yell hateful things or loot to get a message out,” Warner said.
Warner believes there could be some pushback, but she hopes it won’t come to that. “I’m not going to entertain racist comments or actions because I can’t stop people from being hateful,” Warner said. “The only thing I can do is spread as much love as I can. You simply cannot fight hate with hate; love will always win.”
Warner wants to bring the students at Tarleton together, no matter their background. She also wants to encourage everyone to use their right to freedom of speech and expression.
“Now, it’s time for us all to grow together, not separated by skin color, religion, politics or class,” said Warner. “We need each other to make America great, not politicians that have ulterior motives.”
According to the Black Lives Matter website, “#BlackLivesMatter is working for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. We affirm our contributions to this society, our humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression.”
Dr. Laura Boren, Vice President for Student Life, sent out an Expressive Activity Notice to students, faculty and staff this morning stating, “This expressive activity is coordinated by students in their personal capacity. As an institution of higher education, Tarleton supports the rights of students to express their opinions while hopefully observing the university core value of civility. The opinions expressed at the expressive activity are by individuals and do not necessarily reflect the view of Tarleton State University.”
Scott • Sep 27, 2016 at 7:49 AM
What exactly are they protesting? Charlotte was a black cop, shooting a black man with a gun, who posed a threat and would not comply. Tulsa appears to be a bad shoot but the man was perceived a threat from his irrational behavior (being on PCP never helps) and reaching into his vehicle. Now the officer involved has been charged, so just what are they protesting?
Lee • Sep 26, 2016 at 11:42 AM
If this event is supposed to be peaceful, then why is there a clinched fist in the flier?
Abby • Sep 26, 2016 at 4:18 PM
The clenched fist is not a symbol of violence in this protest. It is a symbol of power within the group participating in the protest. This gesture was even used in Labor movements that date back to the 1800’s, long before the Civil Rights Movement even began. The fist simply represents the unity of oppressed people to fight for what they believe in, nothing aggressive.