WATERLOO- Gay rights groups are planning a vigil in honor of a Waterloo teenager killed in a fight, even though police aren’t sure it was a hate crime. 19 year-old Marcellus Andrews died after a fight last Thursday night. Witnesses say his attackers yelled gay slurs at him just before the fight. No one can tell TV9 if Andrews was gay or not, but organizers of Thursday’s vigils say that doesn’t matter.
Most of the organizers didn’t know Marcellus Andrews personally, but say they were all affected by his tragic story. Wednesday, separate groups across the state hope to spread their message of tolerance and peace.
“I got the paper and I also read the news online,” said UNI Proud Co-President Ellie Hail.
“Just recently just a couple days ago I heard about it,” said UNI Proud Co-President Sara Holmes.
News spread quickly through the media and social networking sites like Facebook about the beating death of 19 year old Marcellus Andrews.
“We were horrified this could happen in 2011,” said Cedar Rapids vigil leader Andrew Harrison.
Now, vigils Thursday night, most starting at 8, will remember his life. Police say witnesses told them homophobic slurs were spat at Andrews on the day of his death.
“I don’t think anybody should die hearing those words. They shouldn’t have to live hearing those words,” said Harrison.
Gay rights groups have posted Facebook pages urging Iowans to stand up against intolerance.
“We don’t know about his sexual orientation and quite frankly it doesn’t matter hearing those kinds of words to anyone it’s not ok,” said Holmes.
“We decided we really need to have a showing of solidarity here in Cedar Falls on our campus to show we’re in support of this young person that was lost,” said Hail.
And not just at UNI, but in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and other cities across the state.
“Nobody wants to politicize anybody’s death, but in 2011 it still is a political issue that we have,” said Harrison.
Family and friends will have a vigil for Andrews as well right here in Waterloo on the 200 block of Cottage Street at the scene of the fight that cost Marcellus his life.
“I hope to see a lot of people and a lot of candles,” said Harrison.
Thursday, August 25, 2011 vigils:
Cedar Falls at the University of Northern Iowa at Campanile at Central Campus at 8:30pm-11:30pm (no real candles allowed)
Cedar Rapids at Tree of Five Season on East Bank of 1st Ave Bridge at 8:30pm-10pm (will include speakers)
Des Moines The Blazing Saddle at the State Capitol at 8pm-10pm
Dubuque Town Clock Plaza at 8:30pm-10pm
Waterloo at 200 block of Cottage Street, 8pm
The Memorial for Marcellus Andrews is Friday at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Waterloo. His funeral is set for 11 Saturday morning.
