The murder of Trayvon Martin opened the eyes of people across the nation.
The murder not only made the news but it was in headlines nationwide, and people were not happy.
All of a sudden, students were watching the news and much like the KONY 2012 phenomena, asking for the United States to take action and get justice for Martin.
Students at Baker decided to take action, too. A forum was held on Tuesday in Mabee Hall to inform students, faculty and staff of the details behind Martin’s murder and to spark student engagement.
At the forum, members of the Baker community could voice their opinions as well as learn the historical, social and psychological aspects of injustice happening in the U.S.
Mabee 100 was filled with people. Students were left standing around the room because there weren’t enough seats for all in attendance.
The newfound interest in Martin’s murder, and the cause behind the interest, is good because it means students are watching the news and paying attention to current events, but the best thing about it is how students, faculty and staff were willing to organize and host an event to educate campus members and give them the chance to voice their beliefs on the subject.
By holding the Trayvon Martin forum, students were able to not only learn about everything happening in the case, but the cause and history behind it.
The forum gave students a way to actively engage in a current event, even if they are unable to make an immediate difference through their beliefs.
The Baker community got together to discuss the moral issue at hand, mourn for the loss of the Martin family and to use this tragedy as an outreach tool to teach students and community members about racial discrimination.
Racial discrimination is something that isn’t always prevalent, and for some people, seems to be nonexistent. By holding the forum, students who may not be exposed to such behavior not only had the chance to listen and understand the thought process of others, but to realize that just because it doesn’t happen to them, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
Tuesday’s forum proves that the Baker community, particularly students, do care about current events and are finding ways to be a part of a change or movement, whether it is through educating themselves or voicing an opinion.
By taking the time to organize and hold the forum Baker is showing that its students care about justice and other issues and are willing to sacrifice their time to discuss what is happening.
But by packing a room so there aren’t enough seats, Baker is also sending a message to the rest of the community: We are here, we know what is happening and we have the courage to use our voices for what we believe in.
