ULM saw a display of unity, hope and love Tuesday when students, faculty, staff and members of the Monroe community gathered to march across campus in honor of Black history.

CAB and the Cultural Diversity Council organized the march which went from Fant-Ewing Coliseum to Warhawk Circle.

Before the march started, Reverend Ambrose Douzart, president of the Ouachita Monroe chapter of the NAACP, spoke to the crowd and led a prayer.

“I applaud you all, because everyone is a part of history,” Douzart said.

Cultural Diversity Council President Erick Burton also spoke before the march.

“Today as we walk, let’s walk with a heart of gratitude because not only do we have those opportunities, but more,” Burton said. “Let’s walk with hope, knowing that we are the change that our ancestors hoped and prayed for, and we are making a difference every day.”

Diamond Green, a sophomore pre-nursing major, was one student who joined that march. 

Green said that it’s important for ULM to have events like this because it unifies everyone and allows everyone to show their support for one another.

There were also marchers who weren’t affiliated with ULM but wanted to show their support too. 

Tarvie Wilson, a Monroe community member, said she marched because she loves her race and is proud to be Black.

“I’m a Black woman first at the end of the day and I’m going to support anything that supports me,” Wilson said.

According to Burton, the march served as a time of reflection on the African American leaders who fought for equality for all.

“There was a time when my ancestors marched so that my people could have equal opportunity,” Burton said. “Today as we walk, let’s walk with a heart of gratitude because not only do we have those opportunities, but more.”