Loyola installs banners in support of Black lives and racial justice

Loyola University Maryland has installed banners on campus as a visible sign of the University’s opposition of racism and advocacy for racial justice. The banners were installed on the USF&G Pedestrian Bridge at 4501 N. Charles Street on Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2020.

Two banners declaring “Black Lives Matter” and two sharing a quote from Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace, work for justice,” have been installed on the bridge.

A “Black Lives Matter” banner will also be on display at the Govanstowne Farmers Market, which is held at 5104 York Road each Wednesday from 3 – 6 p.m. from June through September.

“I hope that the banners affirm the University’s commitment to racial justice," said Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president. "These are powerful words, but we also have to step up and take new and additional actions."

Although the banners are a temporary addition to campus, the University is participating in conversations and planning around racism, equity, and inclusion. Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., who started in her role as Loyola’s first chief equity and inclusion officer, is guiding the President’s Council on Equity and Inclusion in creating a three-year diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan, which will be launched in fall 2020.

A free upcoming webinar series on recognizing and practicing antiracism, “Voices on Equity: A Lunchtime Series with Loyola,” will launch on June 24. For more information visit the office of equity and inclusion website.