I’ve largely lost hope in any decisions that the University makes to improve race relations on campus. There’s not enough people here that believe change needs to happen, and even if there are, there’s not many that are willing to take the steps to fix things except for those that are actually impacted by the racism on campus and few others. I am not surprised by the University’s decision to not change the names of the building; even while I was reading the email, I had the urge to roll my eyes because anyone that understands this school could see it coming from a mile away.

As a person of color, it’s exhausting to constantly be reminded that you’re not really wanted here. Of course, I make the best of it as I can; I still enjoy most of my classes, hang out with my friends, go to events and things like that. However, in the back of my mind, and most of my black and brown peers, there is the nagging feeling that nothing we can do will change how this school operates. It’s a little upsetting; as a freshman, I was super optimistic about creating change on campus for the better. Now, after a summer full of BLM movements and repeated instances of blatant and subtle racism on campus, I’ve lost hope in Richmond when it comes to its troubling past and consistently disappointing future. I will continue to engage in conversations about the racial tension on campus and participate in activities to support my people. However, I refuse to let my mental health suffer from it; as a student and as an individual of color, it is not my responsibility to educate others on the value of my life, when it should be valued just as anyone else’s.