Thursday in Maucker Union at 12:05 p.m. marked the beginning of a four and a half minute Die-in as part of a grassroots student response against grand juries’ verdicts in the deaths of three African-American males in different parts of the country.
Students who took part in the Die-in wore black to symbolize solidarity and lied down in various spots in the Union, some holding signs that said “Black lives matter.” The four and a half minute protest represented the four and a half hours Michael Brown’s body lay in the street after he had been shot dead in Ferguson, Mo.
“Even in those four and a half minutes of laying on the ground, you just get a perspective of, like, putting yourself in Michael Brown’s shoes, like, knowing that someone decided that your life wasn’t worth the fairness of a trial or just being treated legally and fairly,” said Christine Fahlgren, junior English major.
Kenneth Reid, graduate student, said he decided to organize a Die-in last week on behalf of students to educate, enlighten and promote diversity at the University of Northern Iowa campus. Reid said he spread the news by word of mouth and encouraged spreading the news.
“We do see our lives and being purposeful and meaningful and we value our lives,” Reid said. “We’re all at UNI and need to support each other.”
Reid began the Die-in by making an announcement to those in the Union and proceeded to lie down with other students participating in the Die-in. Celeste Bembry, student recruitment and retention coordinator, began singing “Who’s side are you on.”
Reid said the singing was a last minute touch. Rachelle Lipp, junior English major, who knew about the Die-in, but acted as a bystander, wore black to support the Die-in.
“I love it when other people do [stand up for what they believe] and I’m proud of them,” Lipp said.
Tambryanna Williams, freshman communication major, did take part in the Die-in as she felt passionate about this injustice as it affects everyone.
“Everyone should feel important because we all have the same rights, we’re all human beings,” Williams said.
Faculty were also involved in the Die-in. Catherine MacGillivray, director of the women’s and gender studies program, participated as an individual and supporter.
MacGillivray, who helped organize the Day of Solidarity, said this was not an official event of the university, as this was a student grassroots event.
