Dressed in black, wearing face coverings and shouting “Black lives matter,” members of the Grand Valley community marched through the Allendale Campus in solidarity for racial equality.
More than 100 students, faculty and staff members participated in the student-led march through campus on Friday, October 9. They were joined by President Philomena V. Mantella and several other university leaders.
The march began at the Cook Carillon Tower with a moment of silence. Participants marched through campus behind the Padnos Hall of Science, over the Little Mac Bridge and gathered again at the carillon tower.
The march was organized by the members of the Black Greek Council and Multicultural Greek Council within the Office of Student Life.
Martez Lopez, president of the Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity and co-organizer, said he and the other organizers didn't expect such a large turnout.
"Seeing this many people come out and support us, it's really motivating to keep doing more," Lopez said. "I want these people to remember that the work starts here. You came out and did this, but there's still more to do."
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