Members of the Catawba College community participated in a candlelight vigil on campus on Wednesday evening, August 16. For the community, it was a time to remember the tragic events that occurred August 12 in Charlottesville, Va., and to find strength in countering ideologies of racism and white supremacy with a commitment to diversity, social justice, and love.
The vigil, organized by Drs. Gary Freeze, Ken Clapp, Maria Vandergriff-Avery, Julie Chamberlain and Kerstin Rudolph, was an opportunity to share thoughts and comments among those gathered. Several Catawba students provided musical reflections, including several original songs. Those performing included Destiny Stone, Hannah Addair, Dustin Chapman, Jordan Ennis, and Jalil Pack.
A second event is being planned for a "Catawba Conversation" with faculty and others in the next few weeks. Reflections from scholars on the issues and topics arising out of Charlottesville will be explored, with the aim of having an educational opportunity to address and reflect on the issues of concern to so many.
President Lewis, in his opening convocation remarks on August 15, noted members of the Catawba community and beyond must confront and address the issues that continue to mar this nation and the progress towards that ever elusive goal of creating "a more perfect union."
