Last Wednesday, a crowd of Howard students, faculty and nearby residents surrounded the flagpole on the Yard, an academic and open space on campus. This gathering was in response to a Free Palestine Walkout post by the Howard organization, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
SJP has published resources, a #CeasefireNow petition and events under their Instagram page with one post reading that they have, “grounded themselves in continued firm support of Palestinian liberation.” With a turnout of nearly 200 people, the organizers of SJP say they feel hopeful that their message will continue to be communicated, particularly concerning their stance on the upcoming administrative decisions at Howard University.
“I believe Howard University can support by taking the necessary steps to divest from weapons corporations such as Boeing, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin which arm Israel’s occupation and genocide in Palestine,” a fifth-year architecture program student and SJP organizer said. “Anything short of this will be seen as complicity in the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people.”
Attendees received pamphlets about Black and Palestinian solidarity during the walkout. A poster board was also circulated to allow individuals to stamp a black, white or green fingerprint on signs that read “Always in solidarity” and “Always remembering.”
Flags were worn as capes under the sun as speakers involved in political education gave information on their support for Palestine and why students should join as well. Richard Manasseh, a senior majoring in international business, attended the walkout hoping to display his support.
“I always wanted to show solidarity for the Palestinians because what they’re going through is no joke,” Manasseh said. “I think a lot of people are on the fence or don’t care at all but this is a serious issue. The media is trying to show that it’s not that serious but that’s not how it is.”
Attendees like Janiel Edwards, a sophomore majoring in radiation therapy, believe Howard students should know that events similar to this have weight to them.
“[To have an event like this,] it’s impactful and it’s remembrance,” Edwards said. “As a Black person, every day we fight. This isn’t something new for us. Join because we can, join because it’s love and join because in your heart you know you’re doing something good.”
With chants of ‘We are Palestinian, we will return by the millions’ echoing through the Yard and heard in classrooms, one SJP organizer remarks that this turnout demonstrates their stance.
“It is my hope that the walkout conveys this message to all, including Howard’s administration: the students of Howard University stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine,” the SJP organizer said.