Riverdale, NY - Manhattan women's basketball will host a candlelight vigil on Monday, October 19 to honor the Black Lives Matter movement and those who have lost their lives to racism and violence.
The event, which will take place at 6:15 pm on the Manhattan College campus Quadrangle, is sponsored by the College's Black Student Union, Jaspers Vote, the Office of Diversity and Equity, the Political Science Department, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and Student Engagement.
"Our team has been talking together frequently about social justice and how to use our platform to help fight and spread awareness to systematic racism," said senior
Courtney Warley (West Chester, PA / Bishop Shanahan), who also serves on the MAAC SAAC Social Justice Subcommittee . "We decided that holding a vigil will not only honor the overwhelming number of victims who have lost their lives to this oppression and police brutality, but will also be a way for the campus to come together."
Throughout the vigil, which is open to the entire campus community, speakers will recognize victims with a moment of silence and the reading of their names. Participants will also give speeches of solidarity and shared experiences with an eye toward inspiring change. And, in conjunction with the upcoming presidential election, the Political Science Department will set up a voter education table on the Quad to provide information on the importance of voting and the various methods students can use to cast their vote.
"With Manhattan College being a Lasallian Campus, it is crucial to uphold core values, such as: concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, and creating an inclusive community," said graduate student
Pamela Miceus (Haverstraw, NY / North Rockland). "This event allows the students of Manhattan College to use their voices and be advocates for change during a time of social unrest, and generate action on campus to create an inclusive community, more so than we have seen in the past."
The Black Lives Matter Vigil will be another social initiative in a list of several that the Manhattan women's basketball program has taken on since the summer. In June, the student-athletes released a
video of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Two months later, the program became Manhattan's first team to earn 100 percent voter registration among its eligible student-athletes. The team is also heavily involved in the
MAAC United for Justice initiative, which launched in August.
"Holding events such as this one is important because it not only raises awareness across the world about police brutality, systemic racism and injustice, but it is also a way to empower black lives and all people of color within our community," said senior
Lizahya Morgan (East Hartford, CT / Capital Preparatory Magnet). "It's more than just saying, 'I'm not racist.' Everyone must fight to be actively anti-racist. It's going to be a long fight, but we must spark awareness and work toward a change now for a better tomorrow."
All Manhattan College COVID-19 protocols will be in effect during Monday's outdoor vigil, including social distancing measures. All attendees will be required to wear a mask.
Additional Quotes from the Manhattan College Women's Basketball Program
Gabby Cajou
"This event is important because it highlights those lives lost from police brutality and shines light on the injustices African-Americans face on a day-to-day basis. We choose to do this event to show that we are standing for change, and we want everyone to use their voices to do the same, as well. It's important to acknowledge those who have passed, because we do this for them, and to show that we are not going to stop until something is done!"
Nyala Pendergrass (Black Student Union Shadow Member)
"The voter table is integral to the vigil because when we vote we can have a hand in selecting our judges (on a local level). Largely, cops who have committed crimes against black people and people of color have not received the right sentences from our justice system. If we vote in our local elections, we can choose the right candidate who will condemn these heinous and racist acts and deal out the correct prison sentences. An impartial justice system will make sure that these murderers cannot walk the street and commit more racist acts of violence."
Sini Mäkelä
"It is empowering to be a part of a community like Manhattan College, where we all work together for an important cause and towards a better future. On behalf of our women's basketball team, we would like to thank the Black Student Union, Jaspers Vote, the Office of Diversity and Equity, the Political Science Department, SAAC, and Student Engagement for sponsoring this event and helping us get our voices heard."
