About 150 attended Saturday’s demonstration, hosted by Bemidji State University’s Black student union, calling for social justice and equality.
Black Student Union president Zoe Christensen
The event, from 2 to 4 at Paul Bunyan Park, was peaceful, and attendees dispersed afterward.
The speakers shared stories of times they had experienced prejudice based on the color of their skin, including Christensen.
Zoe Christensen
Other speakers at the event included BSU Professors Dr. David Frison, Black Student Union Adviser as well as business professor and Dr. John Gonzalez, psychology department and also serves on the Bemidji Area School Board.
Mrs. Sherrill Frison opened the event with a prayer and “Word from a Black Woman and Mother”
Dr. David Frison delivering “Minnesota Not Nice” speech
Wiley Family Song and Performance
Dr. John Gonzalez “Your Silence is a Continuation of Violence.” Dr. Gonzalez offered a four-point ‘lesson plan’ for white allies to use to be anti-racist.
Bemidji State’s Council president of the Council of Indian Students Asin. She introduced the nine minutes of silence in memory of George Floyd.
Members of the Black Student Union kneel in memory of George Floyd.
Renee Gurneau speaks on the violence the Native American community has experienced over the generations.
Sign held by demonstrator. George Floyd called for ‘Mama’ in his last moments.
