Students go to Greenville to protest Breonna Taylor grand jury decision

The phrase “say her name” has been said by millions of people all over the world as they have advocated for justice for the late Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot in her Kentucky home on March 13 by police officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove.

Just over nine months later, the grand jury made their final decision regarding the wrongful death: three charges of wanton endangerment against the now-fired Hankison, not for murdering Taylor but for endangering her neighbors with stray bullets.

Outraged over this decision, people all over America took to the streets in late September once again to plea for justice for Taylor. After months of posting all over social media and using the limited platforms quarantine has provided, many Wofford students joined in on this in-person movement and took to the streets in Greenville, SC on Sept. 24.

Lydia Bloodworth ’24 was an attendee at the march and recalled how one of the speakers at the event pointed out how public the death of Taylor was and how justice was still not served, so one can only imagine how many wrongful deaths occur between policemen and black women that go unnoticed. Representation of this devastating and harsh truth occurred when, according to Lydia, the speaker “said ‘say her name’ and we responded, ‘which one?’”

Acts like this that have become more popular among Wofford’s students and have been supported by some faculty and staff. One faculty member that is involved with student representation in these political issues is Ms. Toria Teamer, the Bonner Scholars program manager.

When her students were discussing their attendance in the scholars’ GroupMe (a group texting service), she was more than willing to offer supplies, guidance and advice for their involvement in these social justice movements.

“The reason I support students who choose to participate in protests like the one in Greenville is because it exposes them to a group of individuals who have gathered together to tell society that they are here and are not going away.

Whether that be holding an ideal of justice and equity or your physical be- ing. When you make the decision to attend a protest you are in part making a decision about who you want to be, where you want to be remembered in such strained times.

There is also this balance of vulnerability and power that exist in the mist of protest. You are exposing yourself, your beliefs, your stance but at the same time taking up space, shutting down streets so that those same beliefs and stances can be heard.

There is empowerment to be found in those moments, there is a freedom to be experienced,” said Teamer.

Written by Brandi Wylie