WCSU Community,
Here is a compilation of statements from the African-Caribbean Student Association, Black Student Union, and the Student Government Association presidents. We are writing to address the murder of George Floyd and the many other victims of murder from those in a position of authority and provide support to the WCSU community, especially our Black members.
WCSU BLM Protest
On behalf of the African-Caribbean Student Association:
On behalf of the African-Caribbean Student Association, we know that we are living through tough and frustrating times. The goal is to let the Black community voice their cries in hope for change. While constantly addressing the same acts of racism, we are forced to make that change on our own. The African-Caribbean Student Association sees how the same enslavement, exploitation and downfall keeps repeating within history due to racist, violent and ignorant colonists. Furthermore, we stand with the Black community and we are calling out everyone with the African and Caribbean community to help make a positive change for our people. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Antwon Rose Jr. and more deserve justice from the police brutality that they have faced. Therefore, we urge the Black community (first generation, immigrants, LGBTQ+ community, etc.) to be active in the BLM movement and be the change you want to see. We need to fight strong, hard and united. We must uphold ourselves for the outcome we desire. So far, there have been changes because our voice definitely matters and because of the willpower we have to protect our own: All Black Lives Matter.
Some ways you can help include:
- Signing petitions
- Text or Call
- Protest
- Support Black-Owned Businesses
Some ways to donate include:
- Donating to Brooklyn Bail Fund
- Liberty Fund
- National Bail Fund Network
- Minnesota Freedom Fund
- George Floyd Fund
- Black Trans Femme in The Arts
Mental Health Resources Include:
- Dive in Well
- Sista Afya
- Therapy for Black Girls
- The Nap Ministry
- Ethel’s Club
- Healhaus
- Inclusive Therapist
Susie Asamoah
President, African-Caribbean Student Association
On behalf of the Black Student Union:
We’d like to start off by sharing our condolences to George Floyd’s family, friends and anyone else who has fallen victim to police brutality. What happened to George Floyd was murder and there’s no other way to put this. It saddens us that it took Ahmaud Arbery’s, Brianna Taylor’s and George Floyd’s deaths during a global pandemic for a revolution to arise. This is nothing new; we’ve seen similar instances with Trayvon Martin, Botham Jean, Eric Garner and countless more.
We want the people in positions of power to arrest the cops, charge the cops and convict the cops. We want you to do your job, not just right now, but from here on out. We are tired of being told that this is the land of the free because it hasn’t been for Black people. Colonials came to the United States seeking freedom as they stole land from the Natives and began to own slaves. Blacks have gone through slavery, lynching, Jim Crow, segregation, mass incarceration, present day police brutality and so much more. And we understand that not all cops or whites are racist, but that isn’t enough. We need action.
We are tired and don’t want to be sentenced to the death penalty on the sidewalks, in our cars or in the comfort of our own homes. We want to be able to live our lives in peace, and if it becomes necessary, tried in the courtroom with a fair shot. We simply want an end to police brutality and accomplish equality for all.
We understand the pain, anger, frustration and passion that has led up to both rioting and peaceful protest throughout our country. But let’s not become attached to the rioting as some are using this for personal gain and greed to distract us from the intended goal. George Floyd’s family said he’d never want rioting for our nation.
We would like to say thank you to the supporters from every race. Thank you to the supporters in the United Kingdom and all over the world. Thank you to the supporters from many religious backgrounds: Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Amish and Jewish. Thank you to everyone who is taking action to bring light to the systematic oppression of African Americans in the United States.
With that being said, this revolution is a step in the right direction. We can’t let this fuse die down as we move forward everyday searching for justice and equality for all. The fight must continue until we are united and Black lives truly matter.
Best,
Harrison Tagnidoung
BS Health Promotion – Wellness Management
Student Vice President of the Black Student Union
Western Connecticut State University
On behalf of the Student Government Association:
In addition to Susie and Harrison’s remarks, it is gratifying to see the direct acknowledgement of the Black Lives Matter movement, as the typical response is to characterize incidents as isolated rather than an ongoing threat. Some of us have been discussing how policy and bias have disproportionately affected the quality of life for a Black person for years. Please read and listen with an open mind before dismissing Black issues and take the initiative to educate yourself so you are not caught in ignorance.
The Student Government Association (SGA) supports students who will be attending the “Can you Hear us yet?” peaceful protest on at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12. We are proud to say that organizer, Tommy Cherisme, is also your SGA Vice President of Internal Affairs and applaud his initiative to coordinate a safe protest for the WCSU community to come together in solidarity. The SGA will be providing supplies for the peaceful protest. For those attending protests, make sure you are acting safely and responsibly. Do not put Black protesters in danger with actions that could be interpreted as threatening to safety.
Here are a few things to use:
- A mask
- Day pack
- Clothing that is comfortable and suitable for walking
- Hand sanitizer
- Water
- Snacks
- Protest with trusted family and/or friends
- Research your rights and other best practices for protesting
How can I help from home? In addition to Susie’s list:
- Register to vote and vote in every election. Use absentee ballots to your advantage.
- If you can’t vote, share and volunteer for campaigns you support. Word of mouth is the most effective marketing tool.
- Avoid businesses that take advantage of tax benefits yet do not contribute taxes to their communities.
- Participate in fundraisers that are no cost to you (Stream content for which ad proceeds will benefit organizations committed to BLM causes)
How can I help campus-wide?
Share your ideas with us and/or join us as a SGA Senator or Representative. As a start, you can attend our student-led Black Lives Matter discussion. The SGA will be hosting an open forum for the WCSU community to discuss and address the Black Lives Matter movement, Black issues, and Black student life on campus. As of now, the event will be hosted virtually. Please check our website (WCSU.edu/sga) for updates. To help our current students, we will be holding a fundraising campaign for our emergency fund for students in need.
The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) coordinates programming and training to support a diverse campus community and oversees discrimination complaints. Learn more about how the ODE provides education to our campus at https://www.wcsu.edu/diversity/.
To the Black LGBTQ+ community, we wish you an empowering, safe and happy Pride month. You are not forgotten and your lives matter too.
In solidarity,
Anna Adebambo
President, Student Government Association
We ask that you not only contribute to change now, yet continue to do so after the series of protests end, the news stops reporting in-depth, and the hashtags gradually disappear from your feeds. We hope you will attend our open forum and continually strive for a more inclusive environment both on and off campus.
Standing in Solidarity with you,
Susie Asamoah
President, African-Caribbean Student Association
Harrison Tagnidoung
President, Black Student Union
Anna Adebambo
President, Student Government Association