Black Student Assembly 'March On Trousdale' for Black History Month
Video by Ashley Riegle
The event consisted of three parts. First BSA and other supporters marched on Trousdale from the Finger Fountain to Tommy Trojan at 11 a.m.
Then, students had an opportunity to voice about a cause or issue bothering them or their community.
Finally, they played the Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech at noon.
"The march on Washington gave a stage for Black people to have their voice heard. The March on Trousdale also want to do the same for USC students," said BSA's Executive Director Lamar Kendall Gary.
"This event is uniting students from different communities. This is something that needs to happen," said Gary.
The whole event ran from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Students showed up with signs demanding racial equality and against mass incarceration.
"I and Casey Ellis, the Political Outreach Chair developed the idea to celebrate Black history by re-enacting one of the most momentous moments in American history," explained Gary
He also said, "I expect students to walk away feeling empowered, educated, and wanting to create change."
During Black History Month, BSA held several other events to raise awareness of issues concerning students from various cultures and communities.
"The march is special in that it not only celebrates black history month and how far we have come, but also how far we have to go," said Ellis.
On February 13, 2012, BSA held a special screening of "The Central Park Five" at The Ray Stark Family Theatre.
The documentary examined the 1989 case of five black and Latino teenagers who were convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park.
Three member of the documentary, Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, and Kevin Richardson showed up at the event and had a special discussion with the audience.
Gary said, "He expect the events to continue to happen to unite students from different communities."
