Freya Nelson – Staff Writer

During the closing arguments of the Derek Chauvin trial, students across Minnesota joined in a peaceful walkout protest in solidarity with George Floyd and recent victim Daunte Wright, as reported by The Hill. According to CBS News, Ex-cop Derek Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday of all three counts in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin’s sentencing for third-degree murder , second-degree murder and manslaughter will take place in eight weeks.
In the wake of continued violence, Gustavus students have continued to show their support.
Students of the on-campus organization The Radicals showed their support by hosting a days-long donation drive in support of Brooklyn Center, the location of Daunte Wright’s death and where many activists have been working to gather needed supplies for the community.
“Stay educated and aware of what’s happening at our Gustavus community as well as the larger community and stay involved,” The Radicals said on their social media announcement for the donation drive.
The donation drive ran continuously from Wednesday, April 14 through Friday, April 16. It was located in the newly renovated Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE). The organization was asking that people provide items such as monetary donations, non-perishable foods, medical supplies, or hygiene supplies. Students in support were also welcome to take a break in the CIE whether they needed to rest, take time to contact their local politicians or reach out to the Gustavus Administration.
“[We] decided we needed to take action after the shooting of Daunte Wright. A member of ours, Vincent Kenobbie, had the great idea of organizing a drive to donate supplies and money to Brooklyn Center and those living there that are in need. The drive was incredibly successful. We even had donations from the St. Peter Food Shelf to deliver,” Radicals Public Relations Chair and Drive Co-Organizer, Amy Haney, said.
The Brooklyn Center donation drive was successful in creating a space for Gustavus students and faculty to come and support in solidarity. The organization received many donated items and raised over $300 of monetary funds.
“I would say that Gusties really showed up for the drive. We discussed having the drive on a Tuesday and had it organized by Wednesday and regardless of the short notice the amount of donations were amazing. We continue to encourage Gusties to stay educated and involved,” Haney said.
The Gustavus Radicals will be hosting another event at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21 regarding the dismantling of the current system of policing.
“The Gustavus Radicals are planning to have a space on Wednesday in the Center For Inclusive Excellence for people to contact elected officials in support of police abolition. In the future, we will be creating a mural on the pillars and wall outside the Center for Inclusive Excellence, and
we are incredibly excited for that. The Radicals [are] always busy doing work in our community and a great way to keep up with us is by following our page @gacradicals on Instagram or joining one of our weekly meetings every Thursday night at 8 p.m.,” Haney said.