Students organize Black Voices Matter Rally and candlelight vigil for Oct. 8

The Black Student Union will host a Black Voices Matter Rally followed by a candlelight vigil on Thursday, Oct. 8, on the North Lawn.

The rally begins at 5 p.m. and will feature speakers, performances, special guests and information about racial injustice and voting in the Nov. 3 election. A candlelight vigil recognizing victims of police violence will follow at 6 p.m.

The Black Student Union emphasized that the event is strictly peaceful. Participants will be required to wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines.

Individuals who wish to participate must register to attend through the university’s digital student activities platform Engage.

“The purpose of these events is to unify all college students across the city as we utilize our voices to raise awareness about the ongoing issues and struggles that our Black community constantly endures,” said Dorian Buford, president of the Black Student Union and a communication major.

Buford said the name of the event — “Black Voices Matter” — was purposely selected.

“We just want our voices to be heard, our struggles to be addressed, and our lives to be valued on this campus and across the world,” Buford said.

He said the Black Student Union was enraged and disappointed after Black Lives Matter art on the Wright State Rock was defaced.

“That is what invoked and inspired us to coordinate this event,” he said.

Buford credited Sydney Wyatt, treasurer of the Black Student Union, for first suggesting over the summer the idea of organizing a candlelight vigil.

“To see this event blossom into something bigger than our imagination is touching and heartwarming,” Buford said.