Black Lives Matter Movement at MSUM

The Black Lives Matter Movement comes to MSUM.

The graduation rate for black students on MSUM’s campus is just 17%.

It’s far less than any other racial minority on campus and black students are asking, “do black lives really matter at MSUM?”

The Black Student Union supports and advocates for black students on campus which is exactly the reason  for tonight’s banquet.

Since MSUM is a predominantly white campus, members say it can be hard to find that sense of community, resulting with many leaving school early and never earning a degree.

Something these members want to change.

“Many people who come to our university from this area are from small towns and are just not as exposed to the diversity that people are who are from bigger cities, so these topics are brand new to a lot of people and just aren’t talked about,” says MSUM Black Student Union President, Lexi Byler.
 
“I dance and I do hip hop and I’m gay and I’m a black male so it’s just really hard as far as like I’m at the bottom of the totem pole so to say. I think with me performing and being so vociferous I think it’s giving me a voice in a place that I may not have a voice,” says Hip-Hop Performer and Dancer, Blacc Phoenix.
 
The Black Lives Matter Movement started back in 2012 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
 
The Black Student Union has held events throughout the year, aiming to build a strong community for black students on campus.

This evening’s banquet is their largest event yet.