To close out October, a diverse student body, across all walks of organizations and classifications, gathered on October 30th to walk in honor of breast cancer and domestic violence victims and survivors. Starting at the student union, The Southern University Chapter of Women in NAACP led students around the bookstore, past Greek rowe, and back to the student union, with each step striding towards awareness and empowerment. Some students walked the pavements in heels, in solidarity of women who uphold their careers and image while bravely fighting for their health or safety behind the scenes. While Black Women are overlooked in the healthcare field and their domestic violence stories often go unheard, Southern University’s Miss Freshman, London Coleman says, “We need to break those barriers by showing support.”
For Kennedy Patton, a Junior majoring in speech pathology and audiology, the event “felt very emotional and powerful” as she walked in support of her grandmother with breast cancer. She found comfort in her peers and explained, “the turnout was just amazing and I bonded with so many people.”
The walk lasted about thirty minutes but was packed with chants, high-held chins, and a strong united presence of compassionate Jaguars. Southern University’s Student Government Association President, Kennedy Orr expressed, “It always warms my heart seeing how many students participate and care”. She continues to state, “We’re all standing together against these causes.”
As the event came to a close, it was evident that those affected by domestic violence and breast cancer are in the hearts and minds of Southern University Jaguars who proudly led every step with strength and resilience.
