Vigil for Black Lives to be Held at Lewis & Clark College

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Hilary Devaney, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Photo courtesy of the Vigil for Black Lives Facebook event page

On Wednesday, October 7, a vigil for Black lives will be held at the Agnes Flanagan Chapel at Lewis & Clark College.

Join the Lewis & Clark Black Law Students Association, Black Student Union, National Lawyers Guild, and others to honor the Black lives that have been taken by police brutality and vigilantism.

This vigil is in response to the growing concerns over the safety of Black lives in a society of systemic racism.

The event aims to contribute to the growing movement towards uplifting Black voices and building community and solidarity in support of human rights.

There will be special speakers, performers, food, and music. The vigil will open with Janelle Monáe’s song, “Hell You Talmbout,” which names the Black Americans killed by police and vigilantes. Last month Janelle Monáe came to Portland and sang “Hell You Talmbout” with Don’t Shoot Portland as a part of her national tour with her fellow Wondaland Records musicians in support of Black Lives Matter. Singing and chanting along at the vigil is encouraged.

Immediately prior to the event there will be a march up to the Chapel for those who arrive at 6:10 p.m. The march will begin at Gate 2 of Lewis & Clark College and finish at the Agnes Flanagan Chapel.

The Vigil for Black Lives will take place Wednesday, October 7 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Lewis & Clark College. The event is free and open to the public.