(June 16, 2020) More than 100 individuals, including health care professionals, students, community leaders and other supporters, came together for White Coats for Black Lives, a solidarity march and demonstration against racial injustice, on June 15.
The event was planned by the East Tennessee State University Student National Medical Association, the Gold Humanism Honor Society and the Organization of Student Representatives at Quillen College of Medicine.
After the march along University Parkway and State of Franklin Road, student organizers spoke and participants kneeled to observe 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence in memory of George Floyd.
Speakers encouraged the attendees to lead the way for social change.
“As future health care professionals, it is extremely important that we come together in times like these to show our support of and solidarity with the Black community that comprises a part of our patient population,” said Stephanie Alu, a Quillen College of Medicine student who helped organize the event.