Kent State’s Black United Students will stage a die-in in protest of police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri today between noon and one p.m. in Risman Plaza, said Josh Lewis, director of political affairs and grievances for BUS.

BUS President Matthew Thompson will begin the protest with an introductory address. Participants will then lie down, as if they were dead. Other participants will stand next to those sprawled on the ground, holding signs and posters.

“I would say that our goals are to let people know that we want our voices to be heard; to let people know that our lives do matter,” said Leia Belt, director of programing for BUS said. “That we’re also sick of getting killed, we’re also sick of the fear, we’re also sick of it being an excuse to kill black people because they’re scared of their pigmentation. So just to be heard.”

Participants will wear all black, and will remain silent through the hour-long demonstration. The protest will end with a closing address.

Check back for updates and the full story tonight.

Contact Bruce Walton at [email protected].