Protests continue across the country, including here in Acadiana as people stand against racial and social injustice.
This afternoon, the LSU Health Sciences Center - Lafayette Campus held a silent protest along West Congress Street at the University Hospital and Clinics.
The group protested for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd's neck.
The protest involved many in the medical community. They wanted to peacefully send a powerful message.
At 12:50 Thursday afternoon, doctors, staff and residents lined the sidewalk at UHC. The majority taking a knee and silently protesting.
"It allows us to get into our thoughts, it allows us to get into our own spaces and kind of block out everything and then hear what is that our hearts speak to," Dr. Kristi Anderson, the Director of Graduate Medical Education said.
Anderson said through the protest, she though of strength, courage and hope.
"Sometimes, it takes a moment to think about the journeys others take and have had and sometimes you just have to say that's who they are and that's where they are right now," Anderson said. "That doesn't deter me from where I am and I stand in the presence and solidarity of all of these other unique individuals who wanted to stand and proclaim the same thing."
Dr. Marilyn Marshall said it is important to remain united to evoke change.
"Particularly here at UHC where we serve all patients, no matter what denomination, race, no matter what ethnicity. We want to make sure we're socially aware of everyone's needs and that we take care and realize things might not be as great as we want it to be, but we can make it better."
Dr. Shaawn Ali said, "I expect myself to stand up to any kind of injustice. It doesn't have to be of skin tone. If I had any injustice to me, I would want my brothers and sisters who are here by the hundreds today to have my back and be at my side. We're here for each other and we have to learn to be uncomfortable. In times of discomfort or pain, we can learn to grow."
Organizers believe protest like this one will continue to grow across Acadiana and the nation as more and more people hope to create a dialogue for change.
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