Alumni

#WIUStandsByYou

On behalf of the Western Illinois University Alumni Association and the WIU community, we stand by all of our Black alumni, friends, students and staff. Thank you to the remarkable Melody Betts '09 for her collaboration, her message and allowing us to share. 

Greetings fellow WIU Alumni & Friends,

I'm sitting here in my office, otherwise known as my living room, writing up this small blurb with warm thoughts toward all of you. If your day-to-day looks anything like mine, you woke up, readied yourself for the day and made a long morning commute all the way to the kitchen. There's no doubt that we are living in an uncertain time. COVID swooped in and changed the very way we live. Before we could adjust, the world found itself in the midst of a fight against racial injustice and was turned on its head. The streets are filled with protestors by day and the skies are lit up with fireworks at night. 

About a month ago, an actress put out a call to black artists across the globe. With the current struggles of POC in mind, her charge was simple. Make a video of yourself singing the first verse and chorus of Stand By Me, post it on all of your social media outlets at the same time as other artists around the world and use the hashtag #standbyme. Stories of discrimination and injustice were surfacing in great numbers. We were on the verge of a movement meant to ultimately break down the rusted over chains of systemic racism. We were in need of something ... an outreached hand ... an interaction that reminded us of our humanity ... reminded us that we are better together. In the midst of the anxious undercurrent, we needed to be reminded that no amount of hate has a chance when we stand in unity. 

The video you are about to see is my answer to the call. In it I am making my own plea to my friends, family members, fellow Leathernecks, colleagues, acquaintances and the human race at-large to stand together as we march hand-in-hand toward a future that looks bright for us all.   #standbyme   #WIUStandsByYou

Melody A. Betts

WIU MFA '09

To share your story or suggestions, email A-Association@wiu.edu.

Betts most recently performed on Broadway in the show "Waitress," has performed in the live television production of "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" starring John Legend and has an impressive theatre resume as well as television appearances on "Chicago PD" and "Power" on STARZ. She is also a member of the Actor's Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA and BMI. She is actively involved with WIU and volunteers her time to her alma mater regularly.