Marshall students celebrate differences during Unity Walk
October 9, 2017
Marshall’s 6th Annual Unity Walk marked the beginning of the university’s 2017 homecoming week celebrations. Monday’s event was an opportunity to recognize the diversity of the school’s student body.
“We [Marshall] originate from many cultures and many ethnic groups, many religions, languages and lifestyles, but it’s really important that even though we have many things that are different, most of us, what we have is in common,” Maurice Cooley, vice president of Intercultural Affairs, said.
Cooley said the event’s significance was elevated by the current political climate.
“I think it’s important at these times, globally, and in the United States that we embrace the importance to celebrate unity and being a part of a family and celebrating peacefulness and togetherness,” said Cooley.
The Unity Walk brought students together and gave them the opportunity to meet individuals of different backgrounds that they may have not met otherwise.
“We always call each other sons and daughters, but sometimes, if you don’t talk to someone it’s more like a distant relative,” Matt Jarvis, student body president, said. “It’s kind of a family reunion atmosphere. It’s nice to get outside of your comfort zone, and this gives the students an opportunity to see new people.”
The Unity Walk’s purpose is to bring the university together and help everyone become one unified family. Some students who participated said the walk changed their perspective.
“I think it’s really good for people to experience things like this because it shows us that we’re not all so different,” sophomore Becca Tilley said.
Kayla Simmons can be contacted at [email protected].
