All over the world, adults and children are celebrating the birth and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, who risked his life everyday for freedom and fairness.
Here at Western, a week of events took place to commemorate Dr. King before the national holiday.
On Monday, a Candle Vigil was held at 6 o’clock. The Vigil included a lighting of candles for Dr. King and a selection by the Gospel Choir. There was a litany read that night, including part of a previous speech of Dr. King’s. At the end, everyone who was in attendance sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the candles were blown out. This event was sponsored by the Organization of Ebony Students.
Along with the vigil, an Art Exhibit and reception occurred in Chelsea Gallery sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Tuesday morning, January 15th, a breakfast was held at 7:30 a.m. to celebrate the birth of Dr. King.
That night, there was a student reflection where students gathered and gave personal reflections of Martin Luther King. Cash prizes were awarded to winners that placed at the reflection.
At 7 p.m., a High School Oratorical Contest took place in Club Illusions at the UC.
Community Service Day was held on Wednesday. That evening, Dr. Mickey Burnim, from Elizabeth City University, spoke in the UC Grandroom as part of the Chancellor’s Speaker Series. The office of the Chancellor sponsored this event. Thursday at 4 p.m. the Martin Luther King Parade will start at Dodson and end at Harrill. That night, there will also be a Unity Jazz Night at 9 p.m. in Club Illusions. Jazz Night includes music and anyone is welcome to come up and express their voice to the audience, be it through a song or a poem by you or another author.
