SLU to Hold a Prayer Vigil Today to Remember Victims of Systemic Racism, Police Brutality
04/20/2021
Saint Louis University will hold “A Moment of Reflection,” a prayer vigil in remembrance of the victims of systemic racism and police brutality. The vigil will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, in the Lipic Clock Tower Plaza.
University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., announced the vigil in a message to the SLU community Monday night. The event is open to members of the SLU community.
"In the days and weeks ahead, each of us will face renewed internal challenges as we must determine how our individual values and the values of our Saint Louis University community compel our action or our inaction, and promote our engagement or our disengagement, Pestello wrote.
"When we are faced with a choice to add to the rancor destined to play out on the airwaves and via social media, do we cave to doing what is easy? Or do we lend our voice in the pursuit of justice for the indisputable inequities created and perpetuated by a long history of violence and racism against generations of people of color?"
Program Details
The vigil will begin with a welcome from Campus Ministry, followed by an opening prayer from David Suwalsky, S.J., SLU’s vice president for mission and identity.
President Pestello will speak, followed by student readings and a recitation of the names of victims.
Jonathan Smith, Ph.D., SLU’s vice president for diversity and community engagement, will share a reflection and a closing prayer.
Richard Marks, Ph.D., director of SLU’s Cross Cultural Center, will share information about resources available for the campus community. Staff from the Cross Cultural Center and Campus Ministry will be around after the vigil for those who want to talk with someone.
Resources and support are always available through the Dean of Students office, University Counseling Center, Cross Cultural Center and Campus Ministry.
Livestreaming
Campus Ministry, the Cross Cultural Center and the Student Government Association (SGA) are planning to livestream the prayer vigil on their social media accounts. Links to their accounts follow below.