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Guy King
Staff Writer
Approximately one hundred Jackson State University students gathered on Dec. 1 to participate in the “Hands Up Walk Out’ rally and silently protest the non-indictment of Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.
Students with their mouths covered with duct tape held signs displaying “I am Black Excellence” and “Black Lives Matter” walked from the Student Center along the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway to the pavilion across from the Jacob L. Reddix office complex.
Freshman Justin Roach, a Jackson, Miss. native and industrial technology major said, “It felt like I was being a part of history. I am a member of our chapter of NAACP and when I heard about the protest I knew this was something I needed to be a part of to make a difference.”
Some protestors stood as others lay on the ground while a moment of silence was held for four minutes to symbolize how long Michael Brown laid on the ground after being shot and killed by Wilson.
Henry Goss, JSU NAACP president, read a statement explaining that the silent movement was for all victims of police brutality. Several media outlets were on campus to cover the protest, including: WJTV, WAPT, and WSMV. WAPT’s Facebook page was flooded with comments in response to the event. Some Mississippi residents had negative views on the rally posting responses that JSU students should be protesting against the crime in Jackson. Others questioned why predominantly white institutions did not participate in the movement.
“I am extremely proud of my Tiger family for coming together and standing up for what we believe in. I know that NAACP had a definite impact on this campus and community,” said Goss.
Some JSU students didn’t understand the exact concept of the rally.
“As a public institution, it is important to take a stance on issues that happen throughout the country. JSU has always been known for its participation in rallies and riots to bring awareness to justice. Today, I did not fully grasp the concept of the rally. What were we protesting or rallying against? His violated civil rights or the fact that no one was indicted or both. Maybe it’s the political science in me talking,” said Jordan Carter, a junior political science major from Brandon, Miss.
Students and supporters across the country took part in ‘Hands Up Walk Out’ actions on Dec. 1. Participants left their jobs and classes to protest last week’s grand jury decision not to indict the white police officer who killed Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
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