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NEWS
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Campus Involvement hosts Marsha P. Johnson documentary screening By Mackenzie Zent
Staff writer
On March 31, the Multicultural Student Services, part of the Campus Involvement Center, hosted a screening of a documentary on Marsha P. Johnson. She helped lead the LGBTQ rights movement for over 20 years. The documentary screening was followed by a discussion led by the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club (SAGA). Johnson was a black transgender woman who was born on Aug. 24, 1945 and died on July 6, 1992. Her life is extremely important; if it were not for her, the LGBTQ community might not have the rights they do today. In New York City in June 1969, police were raiding gay and lesbian bars, the most famous one being The Stonewall Inn. They were violently assaulting and arresting people who cross dressed, and others who were involved in anything non-gender conforming or non-straight behavior. People finally had enough of this and decided to fight back. Led by Marsha P. Johnson and other activists, riots broke out for five days which became known as the Stonewall Riots. A year later on June 28, 1970, the first Christopher Street Liber-
ation Day happened. These events are what led to the gay liberation movement and why pride is celebrated every June. As an activist, Johnson did a lot to help communities of people that were struggling. She advocated for homeless people, sex workers, transgender people and those who had been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. In 1970, at just 25 years old, she co-founded STAR, which stands for Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries. This was a homeless shelter for gay and transgender youth in New York City. With her co-founder Sylvia Rivera, Johnson was able to fund this shelter through sex work. During the day they wanted to teach youth how to read and write and other life skills at the shelter. STAR was the first LGBTQ homeless shelter for youth in North America and the first organization led by transgender women of color in the United States. These two women did much for others when they were both part of marginalized communities themselves. Marsha P. Johnson was such a prominent figure in United States and queer history, yet she is either not taught in schools at all or glossed over. It is important to keep in mind that if you celebrate pride month,
remember that a black transgender woman, along with many other people of color, fought for the rights of the LGBTQ community. Keeping pride intersectional and celebrating and including everyone is something we can do to honor those who fought for our rights before us. Johnson was a trailblazer in activism in a time when it was not easy to stand up for certain communities. Keeping her memory alive by educating others on her impact is a great way to celebrate her and bring awareness to issues that still exist today. Without her and the Contributed photo hard work of many others, life would look very different for a lot Marsha P. Johnson was a very important figure in the Gay Liberation movement. of people.
Ally Burrington photo
The Marsha P. Johnson documentary screening took place on March 31. Pictured (from left): Jessica Hubert, Multicultural & Inclusion coordinator and students: Mars and Gray
Family Weekend a success By Bella Lee Staff writer
Over the weekend, you might have noticed that there was a lot more activity than usual on campus. More notably, you might have seen a lot of students with their families. That’s because Family Weekend took place from April 1-3. “Mercyhurst’s Family Weekend celebrates our Laker families near
and far!” said Cela Veitch-Beck, the Activities and Spirit Coordinator and one of the brains behind this year’s Family Weekend. “We were so excited to welcome everyone back to campus this year for a weekend of fun-filled events!” The weekend was loaded with events for students and their families alike to attend. April 1 kicked off with dinner and bingo before a night of ice skating followed. April 2 was a family game day, with Deal or No Deal being
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Students could enjoy a weekend of games and quality time with their families throughout Family Weekend 2022.
played in the Student Union Great Room and lawn games for everyone to enjoy at Trinity Green. This was followed by a bonfire, where everyone was able to enjoy being with one another while enjoying cookies, hot chocolate and coffee. April 3 was the chance for students and their families to enjoy Sunday Mass before heading off to brunch. All these events were open to all students, regardless of if their families were with them or
not. Hurst is Home, after all. “We look forward to showing the families of our students why Hurst really is home,” said Veitch-Beck. Family Weekend is reserved for current students and their families only, since alumni and their families have the chance to enjoy their festivities during Homecoming weekend. If you were unable to attend Family Weekend this year, do not worry. “Students and families can
register for Family Weekend on the Mercyhurst website,” said Veitch-Beck. “The Family Weekend page is updated each year with information regarding the weekend’s events.” It is not often that students are able to bring their families together to enjoy lots of fun on campus, especially if they live so far away. Do not miss out on the next opportunity for Family Weekend in 2023!
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Luckily, the weather was nice enough during Family Weekend for some activities to take place outside.
