Candles lit Mazzella Field on the night of April 25 as members of both the Iona and New Rochelle community gathered in honor of Trayvon Martin. The candle-light vigil, sponsored by the Edmund Rice Society, was held to raise awareness and inspire change for a better future.

The event focused on the racial stereotypes of today’s culture that tie in to the case of 17-year-old Martin’s death. Martin was shot and killed by Sanford, Fla. community watchman George Zimmerman on Feb. 26. “My main purpose of this candle-light vigil for Trayvon Martin was to bring awareness to the Iona College community about the issues that go on not only within our campus but outside as well,” said junior Symiara Jenkins, an active member of the Edmund Rice Society and the organizer of the vigil. “If I was able to change the way one person thought about racial profiling or discrimination, then all the efforts I put into this vigil were completely justified.”

Jenkins opened the vigil with a few words of hope for the crowd. She was followed by sophomore Matt Harrigan who continued to spread the message of a world without hate. Students and supporters were then led around the field for two laps dedicated to the short-lived life of Martin. Iona’s Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Tresmaine Grimes greeted walkers at the end. Grimes spoke of a “conversation” these supporters need to have to further the prospect of change. She encouraged supporters to become “ambassadors for change.” “It is okay to open up a conversation and to say this is why we’re not done talking,” she said. “This is why racism isn’t something from 1960 and this is why we need to figure out how we can get along before we destroy ourselves completely as humanity.”

Grimes then introduced Pastor DeQuincy Hentz, her own pastor at Shiloh Bishop Church. Hentz closed the vigil with an empowering message of community for all. He spoke highly of past generations and related the power music had in bringing together races in the past to today’s generation. The crowd remained silent, and an overwhelming sense of hope was felt.

The vigil found most of its support in members of the Iona community, but was shown much support by members of the general New Rochelle community and students of the College of New Rochelle as well. “I thought the event itself was great,” said junior Monique Pelletier. “But the most touching part was how everyone came together from neighboring colleges to support such a strong issue going on. It wasn’t just Iona that came out, and it shows how everyone from different walks of life came together, despite their differences.” Hentz thanked all of those who participated along with Campus Ministries, the Edmund Rice Society and all other organizations that offered a hand in making the night possible.

The words of his speech still rang loud after the vigil was over. “We stand for peace,” said Hentz. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”