And We All March On: The Carpe Diem March for Social Justice

Story and images contributed by Megan Griffin '21. 

In the past four years, our nation has seen more marches and protests than ever to fight for gender equality, racial justice, and climate change. On October 17, 2020, thousands of people marched across the nation to honor the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

With no local marches, Bay Path University students took matters into their own hands and planned the first-ever Carpe Diem March for Social Justice. The focus of the march was to honor all the influential social justice figures that have changed all of our lives.

From 12 pm to 2 pm, eighteen students gathered to creatively promote social justice causes closest to their hearts. As they created chalk art behind Leary Hall and colorful signs by Blake Student Commons, students sang along to a diverse playlist featuring “Treat People with Kindness” by Harry Styles and “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

After two hours of celebrating and decorating, students marched up Bay Path’s scenic driveway and headed towards the Longmeadow Town Green. With a megaphone in hand, first-year students Ashley Reynolds and Rowanne Mustafa led a series of chants. All around town Longmeadow residents heard the group shout “No justice, no peace!”, “Tell me what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like!”, and "Black Lives Matter!".

One of the most powerful parts of the march was witnessing the quick friendships and bonds made between students just meeting for the first time. With the sun shining fully and no clouds in sight, the passion and perseverance of the Bay Path community was evident.