In the year 1947 racism and segregation were at an all-time high throughout the country. In Penn State’s bowl game against Southern Methodist University, they requested for the team to not allow the black players to participate in the game. But, the university and team did not comply and African-American player, Wally Triplett, reacted with the statement “We are, Penn State,” and so the chant came to be.
Penn State’s “We are …” chant is notable through the country for its origins of rebellion against racial discrimination. In recent years Penn State has been awarded multiple diversity awards in recognition of their “commitment to diversity.” However, today at Penn State it could be said that some students on campus do not feel included in the ‘we’ of ‘we are.’
Students hold a Die In protest in December 2014 at Old Main. Photo courtesy of Penn State NAACPJonathan Abu is one those students. Abu is the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) who believes that Penn State can never be home for him. He especially felt discouraged about the Penn State community with response to the Die-Ins held due to high racial tensions in the country because of events like Ferguson and Baltimore riots, and police brutality against minorities.
Other students like Jada Hill love Penn State. Although a minority she believes Penn state foster the right environment for her to succeed. Although she participated in the Die-In protests Hill says she’s “not gonna let a couple bigots or racists or people who don’t understand the history of the university” stop her from being included at Penn State. Penn State prides itself on the inclusion of the student body, popular events – THON, Saint Patrick’s Day, and Homecoming and Hill feels that these are effective ways to include students. ‘These events are for all students to enjoy, I’ve never been excluded’ says Hill.
The Penn State community seems to be split, having parallel opinions on who is included in the “We Are.” Some may experience a divided Penn State, where we are refers to the campus’ pop culture. While to others it refers to a current state of dissatisfaction, but progress due to social justice initiatives.
Video: The Black Family Reunion
Every year the Penn State Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) hosts the annual Penn State Black Family Reunion. The event has music, dancing and food and is a way for black students to come together where they may otherwise be alone.