Former NAACP president believes students will win

Dear Editor,

Students: I hoped to prevent this. Four years ago, I saw the writing on the walls and worked tirelessly to prevent future students of color from feeling how I felt — ignored, disrespected and marginalized.

Despite the 18-day sleep-in, history repeats itself. And although the university’s response profoundly saddens me, I am not surprised. However, I bleed orange, and I am incredibly proud.

Witnessing a diverse group of brilliant and radical students occupying a building on campus and truly fighting for what is right warms my heart and is the only positive thing that has come out of this diabolical, preventable series of events.

It is so unfortunate that after #itooamSU, the 2015 Blacktivism Conference, Hanna Strong, and the Yik Yak debacle, the university has learned nothing and continues to fail its students of color. However, I am here with you. I commend you for your bravery, your fearlessness and your organizing. I believe in your cause, and most importantly, I believe that you will win. Stay safe, thrive in truth and fight like hell.

Sincerely,

Olivia T. Johnson

Former NAACP President

Syracuse University ’16