UTK unites against racism, promotes diversity
UTK students, faculty and Knoxville community members join together in solidarity, “United at the Rock Against Racism.”
“Hate my guts, not my genes,” graduate student Margaret Cross said as she took her place to stand against hate.
Cross, along with other students, faculty and community members, gathered at the University of Tennessee Friday, Feb. 9 in a show of solidarity against racism. “United at the Rock Against Racism” invited the UT community to leave its mark on the Rock, a campus staple and free speech forum. Each handprint represented campus unity, a university vision.
“It feels like a physical representation of the community,” Crystall-Marie Alperson said. “Hand in hand we stand together and we are together.”
The Student Government Association, Faculty Senate and the UTK Campus Ministries Council organized the event. Athletic teams, academic departments and individuals gathered to celebrate love and unity.
“We have a very diverse team, and I think it is really important that, as an athletic department and a university, we celebrate diversity. It is really important for us to spread love and not hate,” UT Volleyball team member Alyssa Andreno said.
Supporters filled Volunteer Boulevard which closed to traffic during the event.
Earlier this week, Chancellor Beverly Davenport sent an email to the UT community condemning racism and hate. Davenport spoke to attendees at the Rock to further her message.
“I wanted to come today to make clear the University of Tennessee views. Our views about unity, our views about peace, our views about acceptance, our views about what kind of future we want. That is what I want us to celebrate,” Davenport said.
During Davenport’s address, she turned to 7-year-old Reed Burgin and asked if he knew why everyone gathered at the Rock.
“[We are here] to not hate people for the color of their skin or where they are from,” Burgin said.
Before the event, Chancellor Davenport sent another message to address a white supremacist group’s intent to speak on campus Feb. 17.
“I want to let you know that after consultation between UTPD and senior advisors, we have decided that this group will not be allowed to use McClung Museum due to safety and security concerns,” Davenport said.
Davenport encouraged students to “get involved, get informed, and take care of each other.”
Following Chancellor Davenport’s speech, the UTK Campus Ministries Council organized a brief vigil. Vigil attendees raised their voices in song as the Rev. John Tirro and Dr. Loneka Battiste led “Draw the Circle Wide.”
“No one stands alone, we’ll stand side by side. Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.”
Featured Image by Ainsley Kelso
Video by Ainsley Kelso
Edited by Lexie Little
