Virginia State University served as a stop along a powerful journey for peace and healing, welcoming a group of Buddhist monks as they continue a 2,300-mile peace walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. The visit highlights the university’s commitment to unity, cultural understanding, and community engagement, as the monks’ cross-country walk seeks to promote healing, compassion, and national solidarity at a time when those values are urgently needed.
The university hosted 19 monks on January 31, the 98th day of their journey. The monks spent the evening on campus, talking with the students, faculty, and staff at Virginia State. While in the past the monks have not been open to public speaking, they spent the evening speaking with the students, faculty, and staff at Virginia State. In addition to speaking with the students, the monks enjoyed a performance from the Trojan Explosion Marching Band. While addressing Virginia State, the monks shared their message of peace and hopes of national healing.
The monks’ visit to Virginia State was impromptu; the university gained notice of their arrival at 6:00 a.m. the day of, which required prompt preparation. The event went off without a hitch due to the work of more than 50 volunteers. While visiting Virginia State, the monks were housed in the gymnasium of the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons overnight…