Events planned before Friday rally

Womens+studies+coordinator+Jeannie+Ludlow+speaks+to+participants+of+the+Red+Flag+March+on+March+9+in+front+of+the+steps+of+the+Doudna+FIne+Arts+Center

Jason Howell

Women’s studies coordinator Jeannie Ludlow speaks to participants of the Red Flag March on March 9 in front of the steps of the Doudna FIne Arts Center

Analicia Haynes and Cassie Buchman

Two separate activities are being planned for Thursday, the day before Eastern faculty, students, staff and Charleston community members go to a Chicago rally.

Starting at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. outside of the northeast stairwell of Coleman Hall, students are organizing a social media campaign.

People will be able to write a message on a board and take a picture to put on various social media outlets.

Then from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. a community chalking event will happen at the Doudna steps.

Billy Hung, media coordinator for the Eastern chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois, said it is at this chalking that people can express their anger, frustration and hope when looking at the end of the school year.

“We want to bring the message to Chicago for the rally,” Hung said.

These events are also a way for those not going to Chicago to get involved.

Hung said anyone can write a message on a board, or even take a selfie and put it on social media themselves, and tag it with #fundourfuture to participate.

He said since the goals of the rally are to raise awareness and draw attention to the negative impact of the budget, having a social media presence will help.

As for the rally scheduled for Friday, history professor Sace Elder sent an email to participants who signed up for the bus ride to Chicago detailing the day’s schedule.

According to the email, participants can meet for departure at 7:15 a.m. in Lot W (north of 4th and Roosevelt) and sign in before the buses leave promptly at 7:30 a.m.

One bus will stop to pick up participants in Champaign at the Schnucks at Mattis and Church at 8:20 a.m., but they were asked to call Elder and let her know if they need to be picked up in Champaign.

The first rally will take place at 12 p.m. in front of Chicago State University, and the second rally will take place at 4 p.m. at the Thompson Center, a state government building in Chicago.

According to the email, the buses will not be able to stop for food but the UPI is providing box lunches for the evening meal after the 4 p.m. rally and the ride back home.

Participants are also encouraged to bring a sack lunch and the UPI is providing chips, light snacks and drinks for the ride to Chicago.

After the rallies, participants will meet and sign-in at the bus at 5:30 p.m., and the buses will leave from the Loop in Chicago at 6 p.m.

They will return to Eastern between 9 and 10 p.m.

“It will be your responsibility to make sure you get back on the bus at the appointed time. If you miss the bus, there is always Amtrak, space permitting, which leaves Chicago around 8 p.m.,” the email said.

In case the weather is bad, the rally will be held in the gymnasium at Chicago State.

 

Analicia Haynes and Cassie Buchman can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]