Robert John Boyle

I walked back from last Thursday's rally feeling impassioned. As black Columbia students we held the rally to express our solidarity with those at the University of Missouri and Yale University, and all those around the world involved in the struggle against institutional racism. Many students gave speeches detailing their personal struggles with racism, the ways in which Columbia operates as an institution of racism, and what these rallies mean in the larger context of black struggle. All of the speakers prepared well, showed bravery in sharing their stories, and brought up important topics, that I hope we will continue to discuss. I appreciate all those who spoke; moments like Thursday's rally make me proud to be both black and a Columbian.