ITHACA, N.Y. – When we March together, none of us have to walk alone. That was the message as the Cornell athletics community gathered on Sunday for a student-led, department sponsored event to take a stand against racial injustice and pledge to better the experiences of black student-athletes.
The event, the brainchild of senior football player Kenan Clarke and executed by Women of Color in Athletics members Jay Matthews and Emily St. John of women's soccer, was planned in coordination with Cornell Police and Environmental Health and Safety and approved by Cornell Athletics and Student & Campus Life. The 45-minute march was full of positive messages.
"This march was important to me because it signified the Cornell community's support for their black student-athletes," Clarke said. "Education does not reduce the burden of race that many athletes of color are subjected to in their everyday lives. Highlighting the unity on our campus was important and great to see."
Student-recorded messages about why they march and reminders about strict adherence to the Cornell Behavioral Compact and public health guidelines were played on the Schoellkopf video board prior to the staggered start.
The event featured supportive Cornell coaches and staff lining the route as marshalls, ensuring physical distance and strict adherence to mask wearing.
"I think it's great that the University worked with us on this to make it happen," Matthews said. "It's one step of many that need to happen and will happen in the future. It was amazing to see all the student-athletes of every color and race come out to support their teammates."
Small physically distanced groups of 10 departed Schoellkopf Field just before noon and arrived back approximately 45 minutes later on a crisp fall afternoon after marching down campus road, up through central campus and the Arts quad before returning. Holding handmade signs, student-athletes led chants in support of black lives and enhancing the black student-athlete experience.
"Throughout the whole process, Cornell Athletics made sure our voices were at the center of the march," St. John said.
