'Masks of Marist’ Instagram Initiative Highlights Student Stories to Foster Community
Anonymous Marist students found a way to foster a sense of community, despite the physical separation prompted by social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Masks of Marist Instagram account, these incognito organizers launched an initiative on May 31 to share the unique perspective of one student each day. These posts are a virtual “unmasking,” highlighting the individual’s experience in lockdown, how COVID-19 has affected them or even their activism during a time of civil unrest.
The initiative was started as a way to unite “red foxes despite distance, disease, and distress,” per their first post. The entirely student-run project has created a platform for Marist students to share stories, voice opinions, speak out about injustice and find solidarity in unfamiliar times. Students featured on the Instagram account are nominated by their peers to share their unique story in any way that they choose. The founders themselves, however, wish to keep their own identities private so the focus of the initiative remains on the students whose stories they share.
The founders noted that the initiative originally started to help the community feel more connected during the isolation of stay-at-home orders. But since the project began, national events have changed drastically — as has the focus of featured students’ stories. With the protests and civil unrest sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and others, Masks of Marist has provided a space for conversation about the social issues.
With student concerns about Marist’s response to the nationwide protests, as well as the lack of support for Marist’s students of color, the founders believe it’s more important than ever for diverse opinions to be heard.
“The recent acts of police brutality remind us of the radical change our country must undergo, and our College administration’s inadequate response reminds us that that change must first start in our own community,” they said.
“The Marist student body will go on to become the law enforcement, policymakers, and citizens of tomorrow. It’s important as future world citizens, currently experiencing the isolation of quarantine, the stress of economic difficulties, and the effects of racism, to have a place to share experiences, find support, discuss issues, and enact change.”
Justin Anderson ‘20, recently featured on Masks of Marist, acknowledged the importance of having the space to vent to a trusted community of people. “As a [psychology] major, I’ve learned that sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and [this] platform gives students the opportunity to share their stories,” he said.
In his “unmasking” post, Anderson addressed systematic racism in the U.S.
“I chose to talk about what’s more apparent to me right now than ever before,” he said. “The country is at a crucial point that I’ve never experienced in my entire life.” Anderson led a protest earlier this month, alongside friends, family and even police. He chose to use the Masks of Marist initiative to further his outreach.
“If my words exposed [the] very clear elephant in the room, I couldn't be more happy.”
The founders will continue to highlight the uncensored opinions and lived experiences of a diverse range of students. “Through this account, we hope to amplify the voices that are not always heard, and share their experiences,” the founders said. “This goal remains important for the Black Lives Matter movement, for unity throughout the quarantine-demanded separation and for the promotion of a safe, open, and inclusive culture on campus.”
Check out the Masks of Marists Initiative on Instagram through @masksofmarist and #MaristUnmasked.
Source: @masksofmarist