The rash of hate crimes across the nation, documented on several occasions by Liberal America, is frightening. The main targets of these attacks have been minority groups and women. Natasha Nkhama is both. The Baylor University student’s tale of harassment is one that we covered in our list of some of the worst attacks by Trump supporters, but it’s one that has a silver lining.
#IWalkWithNatasha
Nkhama posted a video about her attack on Twitter. In it, she states:
“On my way to class, this guy went out of his way to bump into me, and sort of shove me off the sidewalk. And he said, ‘No n****rs allowed on the sidewalk.’ And I was just shocked, like I had no words. This other guy behind me — both of them, neither of them I knew — and the other one said, ‘Dude, like what are you doing, like that’s not cool.’ … And the other guy said, ‘I’m just trying to make America great again.'”
https://twitter.com/ijaileene/status/796450089149595648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Nkhama’s story spread on social media and around Baylor University, sparking the hashtag #IWalkWithNatasha. Over 300 students showed up to show their support. Some left class early — with permission from teachers.
Two @Baylor demonstrations, including #IWalkWithNatasha
Story here.https://t.co/DXHPNA7MPJ pic.twitter.com/99xgqyAN8s— Cassie L. Smith (@SmithCassie) November 12, 2016
Cop saying more than 300 people here for #IWalkWithNatasha.
Students are saying teachers let them out early for this. pic.twitter.com/WYXVx49ybb— Cassie L. Smith (@SmithCassie) November 11, 2016
Nkhama was grateful for the show of solidarity, saying:
“I just want everyone who sees this at Baylor, and everyone outside of Baylor, to know that Baylor is a campus of love, and Baylor is a campus who watches out for each other.”
Natasha just came out. pic.twitter.com/gj8Uca2WZD
— Cassie L. Smith (@SmithCassie) November 11, 2016
Some of the students sang “Amazing Grace” as they walked Nkhama to class.
#iwalkwithnatasha happening on @Baylor campus pic.twitter.com/Bmk0be5CrC
— Cassie L. Smith (@SmithCassie) November 11, 2016
Baylor University also released an official response to Nkhama’s attack, saying, in part:
“The behavior is deeply disturbing and does not in any way reflect Baylor’s faith or values. We wholeheartedly condemn the behavior.”
The school also mentioned the unnamed student who attempted to intervene on Nkhama’s behalf, congratulating him for standing up to the racist behavior.
Personally, I would like to congratulate all the students who came together to stand up for Nkhama, including the young man who tried to intervene. Thank you for being a bright light of hope in a dark time.
Featured Image by Josiah Hall via Twitter