On Feb. 21, Mungano, Baker University’s multicultural organization, hosted a Black Lives Matter Vigil in Osborne Chapel. The purpose of the vigil is to honor those who have been lost to racial discrimination as well as honor the movement.
Vice President of Mungano Lee Marshall shares why he thinks this event is so important and why Mungano hosted.
“I think it’s important because People of Color are the minority on this campus so I think by having this vigil it shows how the campus can come together and pay respects to those lost to racial discrimination,” Marshall said.
Marshall believes that it just because Baker is a PWI does not mean that the Black Lives Matter movement should not be celebrated, which is what Mungano is trying to achieve through this event.
Throughout the event, three members of Mungano read poetry relating to Black Lives Matter and a candle lighting was held alongside a moment of silence for those who have passed.
Members of Baker’s community came out to show their support to both Mungano and for those we have lost.
Executive Director of Student Affairs, Macy Warburton attended the vigil. Warburton recognized why this event held significance and addressed why she was in attendance.
“I think it’s just recognizing our community that is here and the struggles that they have and being able to say that we stand with you, and we are here for you,” Warburton said.
At the event, Mungano opened the floor for attendees to speak about current events or what they thought about the poetry.
Junior Elijah Ballard was at the event and chimed in on the open conversation. Ballard shared what their takeaway was for the night.
“I felt that it was necessary as a Black individual, supporting other individuals and just being Black on a predominantly white campus is hard in general. And I just wanted to support it,” Ballard said.
With Baker’s small campus size, coming together often is something that many students take part in. Marshall explains the significance of the student body coming together.
“I’m just excited to see people come out, pay their respects, honor those that we’ve lost and just see Baker come together as one,” Marshall said. “I know that we come together for different things throughout the day, but this holds a special place to me, so I think that this is going to be cool to see us come together for this type of event.”
As the semester continues, Mungano plans to host more events and incorporate more of the student body into each event. Including creating a new group that will sit under the umbrella of Mungano for the time being.
“They are doing a lot of new things this year, which is really cool, they’ve brought back their Black College Students Committee and are trying to do some new things through that, which I think will be really helpful in recognizing that part in our Baker community,” Warburton said.
Warburton shares what makes Mungano so unique and how the students are in charge.
“I think one of the good things about Mungano is that it is all student led, student run,” Warburton said. “So just a good thing to remember that if there are people who want things to happen, that they can always speak up and bring that to Student Affairs, we would love to help drive other efforts forward as well.”
Mungano’s next event is the Black College Students Committee Fashion Show held on Feb. 28.
