During his speech on Monday night, former governor of Virginia, Lawrence Douglas Wilder, wore three pieces of jewelry: a ice cube-sized ruby ring on one finger, a bejeweled watch on one wrist, and on the other, a bright blue rubber wristband.
The wristband, worn by members of the Saint Louis University community to indicate tolerance and acceptance, signifies the wearer’s commitment to the We are All Billikens campaign and was given to Wilder by Great Issues Committee, which sponsored the event. The wristband fit the subject of former governor’s speech, entitled “The Diversity Movement: Past, Present, and Future.”
“We’re all diverse,” Wilder said, in an interview before the speech. “I call it a unity, a variety and an abundance. We shouldn’t be a melting pot; we shouldn’t be where we can’t see the differences; we should be where we see that differences don’t matter.”
Wilder was the first African-American elected governor in the United States. Even though his election was a monumental achievement in African-American history, his speech focused not only on racial diversity, but also on what he called “the diversity of ideas.”
“We are the arguing country,” he said. “Rather than argue too much, we do not argue enough about the fundamentals… Our disputes are not a burden, but a blessing.”
He also emphasized the importance of respect.
“Each side needs to accept the other’s humanity. Argument is useless without a measure of goodwill.”
Wilder also stressed the need for activism.
“Silence is a greater risk than argument,” he said. “Progress requires that voices be heard.”
In a question-and-answer session, Wilder addressed students’ questions.
“I never measured myself as an African-American governor, or a minority governor. I thought of myself as the governor of Virginia.”
Student response to the speech was overwhelmingly positive.
“I thought he was an engaging speaker, really personable, with a great message,” junior Mark J. Zinn said.
“I appreciated his well-rounded views on activism, and the need to stand against all injustices and equality,” senior Jehan Rahaman said. “That’s what being a woman and man for others means.”
GIC Chairman Steve Della Camera said discussed the intention behind bringing influential speakers to campus.
“Our goal is to impact students. I think it’s going to create discussion of campus,” Della Camera said. “I don’t think I could ask for anything more.”
The speech was also Della Camera’s last event as chairperson.
“It’s been a blast,” Della Camera said. “We’ve been able to reach a lot of students this year, more than ever. It’s a testament to what we do.”
