Etched in stone

Under a light rain Tuesday morning, some 40 SF State administrators and professors joined university president Robert A. Corrigan in the dedication of a plaque honoring fallen members of the civil rights movement.

The plaque is set in granite and lists the names of 40 people who died between 1955 and 1968, from the Rev. George Lee to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated in 1968. Located on the center lawn in front of the J. Paul Leonard Library, it reads: "We remember those who, in the sacrifice of their lives, brought new awareness of the struggle to a nation and a world. We remember them; we rededicate ourselves to the principles for which they died."

In a brief speech to the crowd, Corrigan said having a memorial is important, to remind students of past struggles and inspire them in future ones. "In their lives, these people represented values we would like our students to represent," he said. "This monument will remind all who come that the struggle for civil rights has not been easy."

Director of Admissions and Records Thomas Brown said it is important to recognize these people.

"It gives the younger generations role models, people who care about humanity, who stand up for justice, who are more than just self-interested," Brown said.

"This is needed, especially here in California, in this era of scapegoating minorities and immigrants for what are economic problems," Brown added.

Corrigan agreed. "Because of things like Proposition 187, we have to redouble our efforts to commitment to civil rights," he said.

Associated Students president Kenyan McCarthy was glad to see the memorial.

"It's wonderful that our university shows its support and commitment for civil rights," McCarthy said. "It reminds all of us of past and future struggles."

[ Golden Gater Online December 7, 1995 ]

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