Oskaloosans March In Support Of Diversity
People march to recognize diversity in Oskaloosa. Photo by Denis Currier
by Ken Allsup with additional reporting by Denis Currier
Oskaloosa, Iowa – People marched onto the square in downtown Oskaloosa on Wednesday to show support and solidarity for diversity in America, Mahaska County and Oskaloosa.
A procession started on the campus of William Penn University shortly after 6 pm, with over 100 individuals participating in the evening’s event, which got underway at 7 pm on the city square.
Jihna Jenkins-Mullens, an instructor of business and mathematics at William Penn University, spoke to the gathered crowd. He said the event was planned to bring people together “and just share a message of unity, love, peace, and diversity.”
“I’ve always believed it is our responsibility and duty to use our platforms in a positive way and to use it for good,” said Mullens.
Mullens said she wanted everyone to know that the campus of William Penn “is an inviting place for all students of different backgrounds.”
Mullens husband, J.W., then spoke to those in attendance. “When I think about the events in Charlottesville, the serial abuse of American citizens at the hands of law enforcement and the disproportionate number of those men and women who are of color. And both the vitriol and hate directed towards the people of color by some groups and the casual indifference displayed by others.”
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” said J.W. quoting Martin Luther King Jr.
Bob Morris, a 17 year resident of Oskaloosa and a member of the William Penn staff, walked to the square with students and community members, thinking of what he wanted to say.
“Here in Oskaloosa, we’re not worried about what monuments anyone does or doesn’t want to remove; we’re not worried about big marches; we’re not worried about the national anthem. But we are the ones who make a difference in because we’re where we decide who our neighbors are going to be,” said Morris.
Morris told the story of a Latino friend of his in Oskaloosa, “He was in his front yard and, as he walked out, someone drove by and yelled at him ‘You f’ing drug dealer, go back to your country.’ That is something we will not tolerate. We have to be willing to speak up and say so.”
“The good news is, when you get to know somebody, you can’t hate them anymore,” added Morris. “When you get to know someone, you can’t hate them because their skin is black. When you get to know someone, you can’t hate them because their skin is white. When you get to know them, you can’t hate them because their skin is brown or red, or [thery’re] gay or straight or Muslim or Christian or Atheist or rich or poor, or Republican or Democrat. When you get to know people, you love them for their heart,” said Morris.
“Our world is full of voices telling us who to fear, and who to hate. I would pray tonight that our answer to when we are told that would be…No. We chose to love,” added Morris.
