VANCOUVER – An event designed to show support with the University of Missouri, Yale University and University of Western Cape students, as well as UBC students in order to celebrate diversity is being organized by Cicely-Belle Blain at the University of British Columbia Performance Theatre, AMS Nest.
The event will run from 2 to 5 pm on Friday, November 27, 2015, and will include several speakers, mingling, poster making, photos and a peaceful march – weather permitting.
On a number of campuses recently, black students have spoken out about the neglect of racial issues, racism, oppression and discrimination. There have been threats of physical violence and death, intimidation and gang activity by white students, blatant ignorance by the university administration, faculty and staff and a total lack of consideration for hurt and frightened racialized students. These campuses include University of Missouri, University of Western Cape in Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg and others in South Africa, as well as Yale University.
In South Africa, students have been protesting for weeks regarding financial exclusion, outsourcing of workers, ongoing colonial violence and lack of safety and resources, particularly for black students. They have been shot at and violently arrested by police officers. Other campuses around the world have gather to show solidarity with these students.
The UBC event will offer photo-taking, artistic efforts, songs and poetry in order to bring passion and courage to the students and indigenous hosts, the Musqueam people. White folks are welcome to attend, but priority is given to people of colour.
For more info contact Cicely Blain at [email protected]
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/921309314620197/
