With the controversy that has spurred from the Trayvon Martin incident, students from the university community have joined the cause by walking in Martin’s honor.
On Thursday, students met at the Black Cultural Center (BCC) to walk for the injustice of Martin’s untimely death. Several students had signs and many were also wearing hoodies. Some signs included sayings, such as “I am Trayvon Martin,” “Do I look suspicious” and “Justice for Trayvon.”
The group consisted of about 75 people. Participants left the BCC heading toward the Pedestrian Mall. They then veered left onto Volunteer Avenue, eventually migrating to Cumberland Avenue.
At the corner of Cumberland and 17th Street, the students observed one of two moments of silence in Martin’s memory. The second was done after the students walked past the library, returning to the walkway.
“It was great to see people come together for a common cause other than a party,” Stephanie Jones, junior in nursing, said. “People didn’t seem disturbed as we protested; instead they were taking pictures and watching in support. Cars were even slowing down.”
The marchers were united with a variety of chants during the march. One of the sayings was a line that has been passed down through generations of mass movements. “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!”
Terry Benson, undecided senior and member of the track team, led the chants. There were printed-out sheets for the chants so that students could be on one accord. At the bottom of the sheet was a quote from Martin’s mother that said, “This is not a black and white thing, this is a right and wrong thing.”
Also at the top of the sheet was a message that stated, “Being charged and being convicted are two completely different things, and until Zimmerman is convicted the battle isn’t over.”
Benson was one of five students who organized the march. Nia Sheriff, Betty Hong, Harlin Miller and Akoma Onwuzuruigbo were the other orchestrators, each representing multiple organizations.
The idea was sparked from a conversation between Benson and Onwuzuruigbo on the tragedy of Trayvon Martin. The two then decided to contact the others and they met nightly in preparation.
“It was so memorable to be a part of a 21st-century cause,” said Ryane Adeniran, junior in child and family studies. “We’ve learned about how marches and protests such as this created movements that changed the world. Now it’s time for our generation to make our mark and become passionate about what is right as those before us have also done.”
The march received news coverage from a local Knoxville news station as well as campus news media.
“I am pleased at the turnout,” Miller, sophomore in history, said. “However, I still believe we need more student, faculty and administrative involvement because temporary activism is just as much of a problem as no activism at all.
“People always get upset over injustices too late, but if they stay active in the issues as a good citizen should be, then justice can only progress instead of digress.”
