Just as the sun was setting on Nov. 16, OU students and faculty gathered together in the Ellison Hall courtyard to hear speeches from various community leaders, light luminaries and share messages of encouragement and love.
The Come in Unity event, hosted by the OU College of Arts and Sciences, was intended as a way for students and faculty to experience unity in the face of uncertain times. The event featured brief speeches from CAS Dean Kelly Damphousse, CAS Associate Dean Rhonda Kyncl, Student Government Association President Daniel Pae and SGA president-elect J.D. Baker, among others.
"As members of this community, I want you to know your lives matter. As students, your minds matter. As human beings, your hearts matter," Baker said.
Some shared their thoughts through speech, while others used different means. Amanda Cobb-Greetham, chair of the department of Native American studies, read a poem about human purpose, and the OU Tribal Liason Officer Warren Queton sang a Native American song about coming together.
“After the election last Tuesday, I woke up thinking that we were doomed," biomedical engineering freshman Trevor Crabtree. "I think a lot of people thought that. After I talked to a few of my friends — you know, they were scared, they were afraid, they were sad, but ultimately they were hopeful."
After the speeches, attendees could write a positive message on a paper bag and place a tea light inside. The luminaries were then placed around the courtyard, where they will remain overnight.
“In times when everything we do for positive change is challenged … there’s nothing that brings more hope than when you illuminate. The lighting of the luminaries is symbolic of that, of unity. It gives light,” said Paola Lopez, CAS director of student development and community.
The luminaries had messages such as “I’ve got your back, always” and “Love Wins” written on them. The sun had set by the time the event concluded, and the luminaries surrounded the courtyard with light.
“I had this sense, ever since I got to the university, that people matter,” Crabtree said. “We have a forward-thinking attitude.”
