Embodying Love and Honor

The beautiful spring night of Thursday, April 22, was tinged with sadness as Miami University students gathered at the Seal to honor the lives lost in the Indianapolis Fed-Ex shooting. The vigil, put on by the Miami University Sikh Student Association, attracted students and staff wishing to pay respects from many different races and religions. A solemn hush fell over the crowd as they clutched their candles and held hands.

Jakin Wu, a third-year student at Miami, volunteered to speak at the vigil out of frustration with the lack of change at the university and nationally. “It comes down to citizens like us to carry the burdens of the ultimate failings of our country and our society,” Wu said. “It shouldn’t be our burden to carry anymore. We shouldn’t be the ones out here every two weeks making a vigil or marching or protesting or doing whatever.”

Emma Drake, a second-year Miami student, attended the vigil in support of the Sikh community and one of her close friends. “I’m definitely privileged to be of a religion and race that is not subject to these sorts of awful crimes,” Drake said. “I’m really just here to show my support and show my love.”

Navkirain Kaur Chima, President and founder of Miami’s Sikh Student Association, organized this vigil in commemoration of the lives lost in the Indianapolis Fed-Ex shooting. “As a practicing Sikh I felt obligated to honor the lives of the victims,” Chima said. “Not only the Sikh victims, but all the victims who were killed in that act of hate.”