In 2012, I took the Politics of Rights course here at Ohio University. On the final day of discussion we were asked to imagine a post-racial society. We spewed all sorts of ambiguous jargon about what this probably impossible future would look like. None of it was worth repeating.
Monday night I saw with my own eyes what it looks like when human beings of all races, creeds and socioeconomic statuses come together on equal terms. I was witness to a time of open, democratically-led discussion about pressing and emotional issues. I sat in solidarity with dozens of other students who put the value of community over protocol when they refused to vacate Baker University Center.
In my lifetime, I have never had a reason beyond blind faith to believe that the future will be better than the history I have been taught. The Bobcat family gave me a reason this week and for that I am filled with gratitude and optimism.
A decade or more from now, I hope we will still look back on that night with pride. We proved that the people united will not be defeated. It will take even more courage to continue this struggle in the days to come, but I believe we are up to the challenge.
We have the power, Bobcats. I look forward to seeing it used for good.
Renée Hagerty is a student at Ohio University.
