We are living through violent and pervasive anti-Blackness that often feels unbearable to deal with on its own, and I am constantly wondering if I or someone I love will be the next victim of state-sanctioned murder.

In response to the latest nationwide string of instances of police brutality, a group of over 40 black Washington University students occupied and effectively shut down Bear’s Den Friday evening. Protestors organized in an effort to vocalize concerns with the University’s lack of response to such instances—as well as feelings of invisibility in the Washington University community.