2008 Woodie Awards
MT celebrates King's birthday
Dylan Morris
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
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"The reason King did what he did is still evident," said Jeremy Simpson, junior mass communication major and president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. "Not as strong, but society is still going through racial and ethical struggles, but because of King and others the struggle has become less severe."
Various student organizations, including Simpson's fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, will engage in community service and service learning activities on Jan. 25 at Mitchell Nielson Elementary School in Murfreesboro. This program is designed to give back and improve the lives of members of the community in accordance with the teachings of King.
"King's teachings are still as important today as they were when he was alive," said Raymond Dennis, sophomore mechanical engineering major. "In the past, white people thought they were superior, and we just wanted to be treated equal. Racism is still a problem, but not so much today."
The week ends Jan. 27 with College Sunday. The finale of the celebration week is a musical that connects many local churches and other organizations. The MTSU Gospel Choir will perform with other choirs from around the area.
MLK week officially began the night of Jan. 21 with a candle light vigil at the Keathley University Center in honor of King. The vigil featured worship leaders from Hillel, The Wesleyan Foundation, and the First Baptist Church. Leaders spoke about King's legacy and how it still relates to today's society.
"We've included worship leaders of various faiths," said Luther Buie, interim director of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs. "We understand King was a Christian minister, and how his work has affected people of all faiths. The turnout was very well this year with over 100 students there."
The week also included campus and community service projects. Student organizations visited the Murfreesboro Discovery Center to participate in a "unity project" with local children.
"This year is the 40th anniversary of King's assassination," Buie said. "An entire generation has been raised and not been physically touched by this, and it's very important for us to remember his great works and pass it to future generations."
This year's MLK week brought new events and guest speakers to MTSU, Buie said.
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