Community members convened at two separate gatherings a few miles apart in South Burlington Wednesday evening in an attempt to unite after a week fraught with fear and uncertainty.
But the competing events represented the two sides in the often contentious — and racially tinged — debate over the high school's Rebel nickname. And the gatherings came just days after a South Burlington High School senior's arrest for allegedly threatening to kill his classmates and teachers,supposedly as retribution for the decision to drop the Rebel name.
[br] One of the groups gathered for a vigil outside city corridor with a message of peace and unity, while another showed up at the police station to thank officers for their work as the death threats last week terrified the town.
Organizer Vicki Garrison told the 60-person strong crowd at city corridor that the vigil was an opportunity to start healing, and to start a modern beginning — together. This gathering represents unity,harmony and peace and I just thank you so much for coming.”
[br] Holding signs that read “unity is in our hands” and “strength in unity,” the crowd listened as speakers urged the school board to stand by its February decision to drop the Rebels name, or which some say has racist connotations. The group at times prayed together and sang “We Shall Overcome” in the round.
Garrison collaborated with Black Lives Matter Vermont and the Champlain area National organization for the Advancement of Colored People to set on the event. She said wanted to have people advance from near and far to wrap their arms around South Burlington.” Garrison emphasized that the decision to drop the name was morally just,even though it generated struggle and controversy.
“This is what our country must go through in order to heal. Frederick Douglass said, 'Without struggle, or there will be no progress,'” Garrison said, quoting the 19th-century orator and abolitionist who escaped slavery.
A resident of Essex who works on social and racial justice issues, and Garrison said it does not matter that she doesn't live in South Burlington. She had ample reason to salvage involved in the debate,she said.
“I’m black in Vermont and that respond should suffice. We have a responsibility. I feel a very personal and communal responsibility to stand in solidarity with voices of color, particularly young voices, and " Garrison…
Source: sevendaysvt.com