Why I Walk - #ksunite

We must continue to learn how we can dwell together in unity. To no longer be silent about what is wrong. To support those who are being hurt. To my fellow multicultural students, particularly my black students, Do not forget who you are Do not forget your history and where you come from. Do not forget what you have sacrificed to be where you are right now. Let me tell you that you represent excellence. Despite your history, despite hatred, despite racism, despite how these incidents have affected you, you are still here. We will continue to fight the good fight. We will finish the race, and we will keep the faith. And most of all, we will graduate. Today marks a very important time here at K-State and in Manhattan Kansas. In this very moment, today: we all have the opportunity to make a decision. If we are going to uphold what it means be a family, It starts with loving one another as one has loved us. To say that I am my brothers keeper. To say that I am my sisters keeper. Once you step foot on this campus or in this community no matter where you come from, the color of your skin or your religious background: together we make a family. It should be your duty and your highest aspiration that the person to the left of you and to the right of you, or the person that does not look like you feel that they are a part of this family, and that they are safe in this family. Because most of all, the love of a family is life's greatest blessing. We know that it is time for change, its time for action. And I know that we will continue to make the necessary steps to do so. So K-State family, its time to get to work.