NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- "White power, white, white power!"
Those are the lyrics from a now-removed YouTube video that started circulating overnight on social media, and it's fueled local controversy and sparked outrage from students attending Old Dominion University.
The YouTube video shows a woman wearing an ODU sweatshirt and a shirt that states "My President is White Again," while dancing to racially-charged rap lyrics and waving a gun.
Some of the lyrics from the video are "Hang a n*****... white power," and "Shoutout to the Confederate Flag and the KKK, I salute," as well as "Back to the plantations, picking cotton."
In the video, she raps that African-American individuals "collect welfare," "have babies," and "sit around."
While it's not clear if the woman in the video attends Old Dominion University, the university has denounced the video and released this statement:
From the moment students set foot on campus, Old Dominion University fosters a climate of inclusion. We take great pride in the displays of unity and mutual support that take place here every day.This morning, the University community learned of an extremely offensive video circulating online that features a person wearing an Old Dominion University branded shirt. This is an outrageous act of hate and intolerance and we are sickened by this vile video. There is no place on this campus for hate and divisiveness.
University administrators are taking this matter seriously and University police are investigating. If you have any information that may be helpful to this investigation, please call the ODU Police Department at 757-683-4000.
These types of incidents stand as a stark reminder that we must continue our resolve to educate on the importance of civility and inclusion. It is what we as a Monarch Nation stand for and represent every day.
We understand that hateful words and messages cause harm, and our beloved university community stands together to support each other. Our Counseling Center is open to anyone who needs support and the Office of Intercultural Relations staff are available to all who would like to engage in discussion and in support of one another.
We are a caring and inclusive university community, and united, we strongly denounce the video and stand against hate. Our resolve to build a unified campus community is stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
John R. Broderick Rachael EdmondsPresident SGA President
ODU's NAACP chapter also tweeted that blatant racism and disrespect towards the black community will not be tolerated.
Blatant racism & disrespect towards the black community, black lives, black history or any group will not be accepted at #ODU
— ODU NAACP (@NAACP_ODU) February 21, 2017
We will be providing a safe space Tonight to discuss this horrible video. Hampton Newport News Room. 7pm #ODU
— ODU NAACP (@NAACP_ODU) February 21, 2017
The YouTube account also featured videos of The Black Widow, a local citizen who dresses as a superhero in Norfolk. However, we contacted The Black Widow and he stated he is not involved with the video, and does not have any association with the YouTube account.
YouTube has since removed the video, stating that it violated the site's policy on hate speech.
If you recognize who is young lady is, please report her to ODU Police at police@odu.edu or 757-683-4003. #ODU pic.twitter.com/0GoGIX15bf
— Mace News (@ODU_MACENEWS) February 21, 2017
Soooo here is the video that #odu tried to get removed from the internet. Gotta be quicker than… https://t.co/FfNXFLAZs5
— Shanise W. I (@ShaniseThe1st) February 21, 2017
On Tuesday night, students, staff, faculty, and community members gathered on campus to talk in a safe space. There, many students shared their thoughts and feelings on the video.
Our cameras weren't allowed inside the meeting, but reporters were allowed to sit in.
Some spoke about their fears as a minority student after seeing that video, others had questions about the investigation.
The event, at times emotional, pulled students together to tell school leaders what they hope to see happen.
Community members with "Black Lives Matter 757" were in the crowd.
Rocky Hines and Japharii Jones said they came to show the ODU community that this isn't something only ODU has to deal with, but that the community is standing behind them.