Candlelight vigil held in front of Zimmerman Library

A candlelight vigil titled “Each One of Us Defines All of Us was held last Thursday outside Zimmerman Library at the University of New Mexico.

The candlelight vigil was a showing for inclusion, tolerance, peace and understanding of each other and individual experience. There was no single group or individual asked to attend for a particular reason and the attendance reflected that in the variety of attendees that came together to share in the vigil.

“Each one of us defines all of us as Lobos, we have an opportunity to strive and reach towards a goal of tolerance,” said Pamela Cheek, an associate professor of French at UNM. “We should stand together no matter religious, racial or sexual orientation differences and care about identity instead of people being attacked for their identities.”

The event had those in attendance light a candle and then attempt to pass the flame to each attendee. The candles were frequently blown out due to high winds, and those in attendance often helped one another relight them.

There were many discussions about race, religion, gender and a range of other topics.

“At the University, we are here to learn and understand the history and experiences of individuals,” Cheek, who is also president of the Faculty Senate, said. “Hearing these experiences and histories with different groups and taking time to share our own personal stories — that creates a dialogue that tolerance makes possible.”

The group’s and event’s purpose was to have an open discussion on the importance of creating a conversation for people who are closed-minded or even for people who want to genuinely talk about things involving tolerance.

“Organization on campus is important, more conversation on campus and moments of recognizing each other, we don’t do it enough,” said Andrea Mays, a professor of African-American Studies, Visual Culture and Gender Studies at UNM. “Something that celebrates these values on campus need to happen more often, and not just after (a) tragedy happens.”

Many people shared stories about who they are and their personal experiences about inequality and intolerance.

“There are links made to make a community where people can open up and discuss about tolerance and inclusion,” Mays said.

Tiffani Watteyne is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted by email at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @tiffanirosew.