Students march in 'Day without Art'

A small group of students met on Locust Walk yesterday morning and marched to Center City as part of the Black Umbrella Procession, a commemoration of those who have died of AIDS. The group held black umbrellas, as did many of the participants in the nationwide "Day Without Art" – a symbol of the many lives lost to AIDS over the years. In the same vein, the Button in front of Van Pelt Library was shrouded in black. "I like the symbolism of the black umbrellas," said Fine Arts graduate student Kenny Dinkin, one of the program's coordinators. "It seems to be a sort of dark protection." The procession was part of Philadelphia's second annual Day Without Art. While members of the University community participated last year through the Institute of Contemporary Art, this year was the first time the Fine Arts Department was involved. "We just tried to coordinate with the rest of the city," said Susana Jacobson, dean of the Fine Arts Department. "The students who were involved this year worked from scratch. Hopefully, our involvement will grow over the next couple of years." The University students marched down Locust Walk en route to the Moore College of Art in Center City, where they joined other students. The procession became nearly silent as it made its way to JFK plaza where a large group had already congregated to mark the observance. As the names of Philadelphians who have died of AIDS were read, the Love statue in JFK plaza was covered in a black sheet. Following the name reading, Jeremiah White, co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Day Without Art Committee, voiced the purpose behind the day. Besides remembering those who have died, he said, the country must remember those who are presently inflicted with the HIV virus by raising political and social awareness about the epidemic. Robert Vazquez-Pacheco, a writer and artist, spoke about living with the HIV virus. He told of his friends and lovers who have died of AIDS. While their deaths have brought the death of his past, he said, they all continue to live on as long as he remembers them. Remembrance and complete acceptance of those who are now affected is essential to combating the disease, he explained. "I stand witness to a worldwide tragedy that could have been prevented," explained Vazquez-Pacheco. "I will not forget and I will not forgive." The day's events also included the introduction of the AIDS awareness stamp and a proclamation from Mayor Ed Rendell, who was unable to attend. The only complaint voiced by some participants was that the commemoration was purely symbolic. "This is a great symbolic gesture, but we need more than one day of marching," said College junior Stephen Houghton, who is also the co-chairperson of the Lesbian, Gay and Bi-Sexual Association.