Across campus, MSU students and faculty came out to show their support for Martin Luther King Day and recognize that this holiday is about more than just a day off of school and getting to sleep in.
One of the many events that students took part in was the Commemorative March at the MSU Union on Monday afternoon. Student organizations and individuals were invited to participate in the march starting at the Union steps and ending at the Beaumont Bell Tower in honor of Dr. King. Several student groups came out carrying banners representing their organization and demonstrating their activism.
Human biology senior, Ebony Houston has been participating in the Commemorative March since her freshman year. A member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, she feels that it is important for student organizations on campus to support the event and what it stands for.
“I think it’s very important,” said Houston. “It shows our progression as a race and being an organization of all African females, it’s important that we come out here and show our support for this event.”
Since Houston has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta, the group has participated in the event annually and attended the Community Dinner following the march where guests are asked to bring canned food donations to the MSU Student Food Bank.
For those who were unable to attend the march, there were several other events and activities hosted throughout the week in honor of Dr. King. Students and faculty were invited to take part in interactive sessions such as: “What Would MLK, Malcom X and Gandi do?” panel discussions, a culture quilt exhibit at the MSU Museum and performances hosted by the Wharton Center.
On Saturday, January 14 the MSU Union held the MLK Student Leadership Conference – “Effective Student Activism.” There will be an exhibit on student activism through February 29th on the first floor of the main library that included a showing of films on Monday, January 16, all tributes to Martin Luther King, “The Long Walk to Freedom” and “February One.”
Despite the variety of opportunities offered for the student body to come together and celebrate, Houston was disappointed in the attendance at the march, “my freshman year this room was packed, I just feel like the entire student body should be here supporting this.”
The main speaker at the Commemorative March left his listeners with a challenge, daring us all to make a change. “If we don’t make the change, how can we expect others to?” he said.