During my time at the University of Mississippi, I can truly say that I have experienced the highs and lows of life in Mississippi. I have enjoyed the energetic events of various organizations such as RASA, ESTEEM and NAACPbut I have also experienced horrific events similar to the protests last semester.

As a Black woman here at the university, events like the confrontation on campus last May between pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters remind me that this institution was not founded with my enrollment in mind. Yes, many minority students here often say they belong at this institution, and I agree, but we cannot overlook how students are still treated. I call attention to the fact that the pro-Palestinian protesters have not received adequate justice or recognition after being belittled with hateful language, racially motivated gestures, and having food thrown at them.

The university’s first statement acknowledging the protest was dismissive and overlooked the treatment of the pro-Palestinian protesters. second statement Although the statement was more forceful in language, it acted as damage control when videos of the protest hit the media. national media.

That fateful day was an example of the problems we sweep under the rug, hoping that by ignoring them, things will somehow improve. When reality rears its ugly head and is greeted with applause and cheers, we must call a spade a spade. Many people of color associate Ole Miss with aggressive, angry feelings influenced by the university’s dark history that continues into the present. There is no denying the history of this campus, but whether people want to confront it or not, the university’s gruesome history is a reflection of what Mississippi once was. And you can’t move forward without acknowledging the steps that were taken to get us this far.

While the university itself admits past mistakes, it is evident that there is still a problematic culture that exists in silence. Our reality is much more nuanced and unique than campuses across the country.

There is no doubt that the University is busy preparing for election years; minority students are bracing, faculty and staff are strategizing, and activists are planning their moves. I hope that as a campus community, we can strive to prove that regardless of campus history, there are people actively fighting to not only change history, but to make this campus a place where all students can succeed.

The University of Mississippi is a place where students prepare for the struggles they will face after college. We sit in lectures and prepare for counterarguments we know are coming. We walk past buildings we know were once built by slaves, and we make history much like those before us.

As we begin the fall semester, I hope that none of our students forget that they belong on this campus. Your voice and your perspective are needed to transform the University of Mississippi into what we want the state of Mississippi to be.

Think about how far we have come, and know that it has taken determined individuals like James Meredith, Donald Ray Cole, John Donald, Theron Evans Jr., Paul D. Jackson, Linnie Liggins, Kenneth Mayfield, Alva Ruth Peyton, and Henrieese Roberts to get us this far. While we still have a long way to go, I have no doubt that the students here can make the same changes for the generations that come after them.

No matter your political affiliation, action must be taken this fall semester. I urge students to register to vote and stand up for their beliefs while remaining respectful of others on campus. This semester will empower students to get involved and demand the changes they desire.

Bre’Anna Coleman is a senior in political science from Drew, Mississippi. She is also president of the Black Student Union.