Candlelight Vigil Lights Up the Night

Martin Luther King Jr. was for the advancement of all people, regardless of color, said guest speaker Darnel Haney at the candlelight vigil Tuesday night hosted by the Utah State University Black Student Union (BSU).


"He gave me my pride back," said Haney. "He gave pride to all Americans. It's not just about blacks or whites."

Haney, who attended Utah State during the 1960s, said there is still prejudice on college campuses today. Even though there have been many advances in this country since then, students continue to experience varying degrees of prejudice and stereotyping, he said.

"Think of the pain black people go through as they try to prove themselves to others who are scared of them," Haney said. "I can see their pain."

Haney not only sees their pain; he feels it, as he has experienced much of it throughout his lifetime. While he attended Utah State, blacks were not allowed to make hotel reservations or eat in local restaurants. He was expected to attend classes, go to basketball and football practice and then return to his dorm without any questions asked.

Safiyyah Ballard, president of BSU, also expressed her concern for current and future Utah State students.

"We have to lay a foundation and set the standard," she said. "We must celebrate diversity."

Looking toward the future, Haney said the paths this country will take are still uncertain.

"Once we cross the bridge of indifference, there are diamonds waiting in the rough," he said. "I cry a lot these days because of what I see for myself, my children and my grandchildren in the future. Sometimes I laugh to keep from crying."

Gabe Carter, BSU vice president, believes that in order for the country to keep advancing, it must undergo a true revolution of values.

"We cannot hope to build a better world without starting with the individual," he said.

"This is a great nation. Love it and change it," Haney said. "It’s my country. I will die for it. Won’t you?"

For more information about the vigil and other events, visit the Multicultural Student Services website at http://www.multicultural.usu.edu.

Writer: Shalee Sucher, 797-1350; shalee@cc.usu.edu
Contact: Christine Christensen, 797-2326; chrismss@cc.usu.edu
Safiyyah Ballard, 797-5934; safaba@cc.usu.edu
Photo courtesy of the Utah Statesman