The Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action responded to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many other black people by inviting the Abilene community to a rally and press conference in the Beauchamp Amphitheater on Sunday evening. Dr. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center, invited ministers, students, professors and other city leaders to speak about their life experiences. The ACU Police Department provided water and protection for those in attendance.
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- Senior history major Jeremiah Taylor reads a spoken word piece he wrote about the Black Lives Matter movement. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- A group of students sits with Associate Professor of Language and Literature Jeremy Elliott. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Sam Cook, associate professor of music and artist in residence, sings to close the rally. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Dr. Ron Morgan, professor of history and global studies, listens intently to Dr. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action, speak. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Dr. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action, finishes the rally with an impactful message. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Arlene Kasselman, administrative coordinator for the Department of Art and Design, tells listeners about her experiences growing up during apartheid in South Africa. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Local church employees Deja Roberson and Ashley Stirman listen intently to the speakers at the rally on Sunday evening. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Dawne Swearingen-Meeks, chair of the Department of Theatre, listens carefully with her husband and son. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- A group of students sits with Associate Professor of Language and Literature Jeremy Elliott. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Attendants spill out into the area surrounding the Beaucamp Amphitheater. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- A family listens to speakers at the rally together. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Junior information systems major from Abilene Bryce Gregory speaks about his experience as a white man in today’s world. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Nathan Burrow, preaching minister at Hillcrest Church of Christ, reads a letter written by a professor at Lipscomb University. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Osharye Hagood speaks about her experiences and concerns as a Christian during the Black Lives Matter movement. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Chief of ACU Police Jimmy Ellison stands and watches as the rally progresses. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- A person at the back of the amphitheatre holds a sign reading “Enough is Enough!” (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Tryce Prince, executive assistant for the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action, begins the rally with a prayer. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Orneita Burton, associate professor of management sciences, opens the rally with a moving reading. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- A group of friends stands and listens to speakers read. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Students, faculty, staff and Abilene community leaders wait for their turn to speak. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Dawne Swearingen-Meeks, chair of the Department of Theatre, speaks passionately from her heart. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Cyrus Eaton, university chaplain, watches people fill the amphitheater with his son. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Slade Sullivan, vice president and general counsel, searches for a seat with his family. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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- Members of the Abilene and ACU community fill the Beauchamp Amphitheatre. (Photo by Riley Fisher)
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