Someone at Mississippi State University used chalk last semester to write “Black lives matter are racist” on a sidewalk. The University’s Society of African American Studies began to take up residence on the same sidewalk every Wednesday last week. They claim it is a safe space where students can voice their opinions about racism in America or submit personal concerns to an anonymous box. These thoughts fuel university-wide discussions held by the society. On Wednesday night, the Society of African American Studies hosted the university’s first campus-wide discussion addressing “Black Lives Matter” as well as “All Lives Matter”. Many people believe Mississippi State is a progressive school. It is, however, in its own way. Morgan Alexander, a Jackson senior wildlife fishery major and member of the society, says that there are many things that need to be discussed in order to move forward. Students from predominantly white universities throughout the country are also creating safe spaces for dialogue by starting student groups. Students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds can recognize discrimination in international communities and campus. It is also an opportunity to find solutions that are fair for all students in that college community. The Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement joined other student organizations at University of Mississippi on Sept. 17, 2015 to start a conversation about how black lives matter/all life matter. This conversation would be continued on campus and spread across other universities in the state. James Thomas, an assistant professor of sociology, was the moderator and provided context for the development of the black lives matter movement. Students also saw a video in which a student from the university stood in front of Confederate statue in downtown Oxford square. White males responding by shouting “White lives matter!” Get another sign. Dr. Courtney Carter from Mississippi State is a professor in sociology and African American Studies. She claims that the university does not offer enough opportunities for students to voice their opinions on racial issues. The diverse audience of over 100k students was also presented Wednesday night by Dr. Courtney Carter with a video from an interview she conducted with three black women, Opal Tometi, Alicia Garza and Patrisse Curlors. She explained the purpose and meaning of the movement before the conversation started. The audience was a mix of pride and frustration. Many of the frustrations stemmed from the lack support that black students felt from the state Legislature, as well as Dr. Mark Keenum, the university’s president. Michael Poole, a white student, said that he had never believed that a strong loud social movement would be the best way to effect social change. But he now realizes that it is, and that it has worked at the university. He recalls last semester’s protests by students on campus for the removal of the state flag. It was taken down. Morgan Alexander was among the students who made a loud speech at the President’s Office during the protest to remove it. It stated that if you don’t like America, you can leave. It’s your choice to love it or leave. Someone asked me why I didn’t love America. She belted, “I ain’t got any problem with America, but I’m trying figure out why America doesn’t love me.” Queen Brown, a student at the university who is also the vice president of NAACP’s youth and college division, said that “besides being told no, what frustrates my me is being told not to.” According to her, Keenum personally encouraged her and other students not to rush the legislative process and urged them to wait. Marquise Hunt, president at Tougaloo College of the NAACP, was there to participate in the discussion with two male colleagues. Natalie Nicholson (a Jackson State University student), was also present. These conversations take place at Tougaloo or Jackson State. However, they are interested in the impact racism has on students who attend predominantly white Mississippi institutions. Students of color and students from black colleges discussed how to challenge stereotypes, break the school-to prison pipeline, be active co-conspirators, deal with racism in healthy ways, and hold university leaders and the state accountable for making our universities more welcoming to minority students. “We are the future. This can be changed. It all starts with petitions, and it all starts with us. This is what Steven Lusk, a white male university student, says. The Society of African American Studies will occupy the sidewalk near the student union every Wednesday for safe space and encourage ideas for their continued series of on-campus conversations.