The rain cleared and the clouds parted just in time for the Unity Vigil in honor of the tragic events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 12.
Individual Golden Triangle of Mississippi hosted the event on at 7:30 p.m. August 16 at 7:30 p.m. on the Junction.
Spokesperson for the group, Patti Drapala, was deeply saddened upon hearing about the riots and wanted to do something special in Starkville to honor the victims of violence.
“It is just heartbreaking to hear about something that awful happening in another southern university,” said Drapala passionately. “We just wanted to do something here in Starkville to show that even in the reddest of states, we feel for their loss.”
To show respect for the victims of the riots, attendees of the event were asked to not bring open-flamed candles, but instead use flashlights, battery operated candles and lights from their phones only.
In response to the Charlottesville riots, Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University, wrote an open letter addressed to the family and friends of MSU.
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The letter encouraged the diversity among the students of MSU and the acceptance that the school has for people of diverse backgrounds and religious views.
“Mississippi State University unequivocally restates and reaffirms our core values,” Keenum stated in his address. “Of unity, mutual respect, tolerance, and diversity among our students, faculty and staff.”
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