Kent State Golden Flashes
 

The results of Election Day brought to light ideological differences, but the United States is one country and all its citizens are all Americans. Sometimes it takes common sense from young people to remind everyone of that during this emotional time.

The Kent State men's basketball team surprised its crowd with a powerful gesture before Wednesday night's home opener against Mississippi Valley State. Just before the national anthem, each member of the team invited a fan of a different race onto the court. The players and fans then listened to The Star-Spangled Banner together.

According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, the idea was formulated by senior Deon Edwin.

"This was something they came up with and brought to me," head coach Rob Senderoff says. "My first reaction was, 'What a statement for them to make.' For a bunch of 18- to 22-year-olds to come up with this is incredibly mature.

"They were vocal to me that they didn't want to protest. They wanted to make it clear that this was a statement, and not a protest -- something that hopefully can help bring about change."

Kent State has only made five NCAA tournament appearances and it is far from a powerhouse. Edwin challenges those with more exposure to follow the Golden Flashes' lead.

"It was a special moment," he says. "We all come together as one. It wasn't about color of skin. If we can do that at a small school, everyone can do it."


Kent State won, 93-63, to move to 2-0 on the season. Edwin had 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Of course, Kent State is no stranger to student activism. In 1970, the university experienced its most infamous moment, the Kent State massacre, as the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a student protest of the Cambodian Campaign in the Vietnam War. Four unarmed students were killed, and nine more were wounded. It inspired the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song Ohio with lyrics that included the line "This summer I hear the drumming / Four dead in Ohio."

Wednesday night's activism obviously had a different flavor. And it had a message directed at all Americans, regardless of race, age or political beliefs.

-- Follow Jeff Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband. Like Jeff Eisenband on Facebook.