by Kelly Miller
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.–Blackface has been making headlines from coast to coast and students are talking about it on campus. Last month, a video surfaced of two female students of the University of Oklahoma wearing blackface and saying the N-word. This sparked backlash and media scrutiny upon the Oklahoma campus.
Blackface appeared again in Virginia where someone unearthed an old year book photo depicting Governor Northam of Virginia, wearing blackface at a party. Blackface has been recognized in fashion brands as well, forcing GUCCI and the Katy Perry Collections to pull products off of the market.
These recent issues are creating a new conversation about blackface and students on campus are paying attention. “I just feel like that it shows there is not much respect for black and brown people in this country,” said Aleayah Walker, a local student. She said that much couldn’t be done about it because the country is built on racism.
Jasmine, a student at the multicultural center, said that there should repercussions, “People that partake in those activities should get in trouble.”