On Sept. 23, one of the officers involved with the murder of Breonna Taylor was charged with “wanton disregard.” Black Lives Matter activists and allies across the country expressed pain in the face of the news and the lack of justice for Taylor.
Following the news, the Destiny Women of Color Association (DWCA) at Muhlenberg called for a moment of silence to remember and honor the life of Breonna Taylor on Sept. 25. The event was attended by students and professors on campus as well as Allison Gulati, the dean of students, and President Kathleen Harring. DWCA president Krystal Hall ‘21 and Vice President Jaunice Vega ‘22 spoke to the attendees about the importance of honoring Taylor and recognizing the injustice of the charges against her.
“Being a part of Muhlenberg means that we stand together during a time of pain and hurt but also to help each other mourn death anyway we need.”
Vega said, “This event was very important to DWCA but also to the people of color on Muhlenberg’s campus. Being a part of Muhlenberg means that we stand together during a time of pain and hurt but also to help each other mourn death anyway we need.” She added, “It was critical that we brought this to the Muhlenberg community because our community was hurt and because of that we asked for people to stand with us during this difficult time.”
Although only a small number of Muhlenberg students are on campus, Vega felt that the event was well supported by those present and the College. She said, “Being that the whole community is not on campus, I do think Muhlenberg supported this event well. We also had a lot of support via social media and the Dean of Students.”
“If we do not remember the lives that have been taken then we will continue to repeat history.”
Vega also spoke about the importance of remembering victims of police brutality. She said, “Moment of Remembrance is important to us because we want to end the cycle of people being lost in history… These killings and murders should not be normalized because this is not normal! We have these moments of silence for our community because it is a way to respect those who left the world but also pay respects to their family as well. Even when you are no longer on this earth it is important to be remembered. If we do not remember the lives that have been taken then we will continue to repeat history.”
