First of many steps
The movement that swept the nation and world during a global pandemic. Black lives matter took its own place in the city of Duluth at the University of Minnesota of Duluth. At the event hosted at the football stadium speakers, marching and social distancing were a huge part of this event. The marchers went from the football stadium and walked around the whole campus. Signs reading BLM, we stand with you and Dump your racist boyfriend were held during the March. Hosted by the B.M.S.E student group. Groups chanting “Black Lives Matter and No justice No peace” filled the air and cars honked with support as the protesters walked down Woodland Street. People took a knee for eight minutes and forty six seconds to represent the time that it took to take George Flyod life. This being the first protest on the Duluth campus.“ Things like this make me hopeful for our world. That there are good people out there that would come together as one”. Said Mandy Pearson head women’s basketball coach.
This group and protest being the first of anything like this at University of Minnesota Duluth. According to the 2019 census 89.8 percent of Duluth is white. The presence of minorities in Duluth is slim to none. Marcus Mclin coming to the University three years ago said he saw immediate need for a group like this on campus.The protest was able to be the first big event for the group. “The protest really got us out there for the first time and was a great event.” said Mclin. Athlete groups, community members, students and staff were in attendance for this cause and group. Due to Covid 19 the group wasn’t able to have some of its events that were planned for last spring.
What’s next for this movement? Is a question on many people’s minds. Marcus Mclin assistant football coach at UMD said, “ We wanna keep this movement going in the Duluth community.” Being a member of black men striving for excellence B.M.S.E a new official group at the Minnesota Duluth campus. The group has 15 members of black men. The group strives for excellence in everything they do. Their mission statement said to cultivate young Black leaders, and to strive for excellence in all our endeavors. This group started last year as a non official group on campus, but has recently been made a University affiliated group. “It was a big thing for us to become an official group on campus. It was exciting for all our members,” says Mclin. The group strives for equality and social justice. “ We have had a great support system through the University staff and students.” said Mclin.
The group is planning on some social distancing events to come including a cookout. Trying To get people together and get people informed about their message. The speaker at the protest said “ be the generation of change it won’t happen overnight but we can start it. We can be the generation of change.” As change has been prevalent in our lives lately the change in our community still is fought for today.
