Students remember Martin Luther King Jr.
Students huddled in the cold near Old Main, warmed only by the glow of candlelight Thursday night, as an honorary song and then silence were conducted in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. and the upcoming commemorative holiday.
Hosted by the Black Student Union, the Access and Diversity Center and the Office of Vice President of Student Services, the candlelight vigil reflected on the life and work of King through the theme “Remembering His Legacy.”
“We put it on every year to recognize the really critical work that Martin Luther King did during the course of his rather short life,” said Rachel Brighton, adviser to the Black Student Union. “This has been a tradition here at Utah State.”
The event began with two student speeches and video montages in remembrance of King.
“A man of honor and virtue, Dr. King gave his life to the change he wished to see in our nation,” speaker Ashley Miller said. “He was the voice for the speechless and the hope for the hopeless … without them I would not have this great opportunity for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Speaker Rachel Cox echoed Brighton in her speech when she said, “As we walk with lighted candles across our campus tonight, we can remember that he taught us that people are not to be judged by the country of their birth, the cut of their clothing or the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Following student remarks, the audience silently exited the ballroom and made its way toward Old Main, each individual carrying a solitary lit candle, in remembrance of King.
Students, faculty and community members gathered together around the Block A as King was honored with a moment of silence, followed by a musical number by Anthony Pratt, who sang “This Little Light of Mine,” to adjourn the ceremony.
“A vigil is perfect, because it sets in the tone of the event,” Black Student Union vice president Ami Meite said. “Yes, Martin Luther King did a lot and it is something very happy, but what he went through to get the result isn’t a laughing matter.
“It is something serious and people need to reflect on that. That is why we have a silent march to the A, because we need that time to walk and think of everything that happened. That part of the event is meant to be somber. I think it drives the point home.”
Among respecters of King were members of the USU football team.
“Martin Luther King Day is very important to me and everyone, because it’s the reason why we’re all together right now; Blacks, Whites, Asians and Spanish,” said sophomore running back Joseph Hill. “It shows in the football team that we’re all together as one.”
As the holiday draws near, by taking part in this ceremony, students of different ages, genders and cultures have urged USU students to respectfully remember King and all he accomplished for the freedom of our country throughout his life.
“Get to know Martin Luther King,” Brighton said. “Get to know his life, get to know what he said, what he did, what he stood for. I think all of us need to play some kind of role. If most of us really don’t care, nothing is really going to change.”
Meite said King’s life has such an impact on today’s society that it is necessary to recognize and remember him.
“One hour to celebrate the life of such an influential man is the least students can do,” she said. “He made such a deep impact in the U.S. and not recognizing it is almost like a slap in the face to him.”
“I have to have a passion about it because I feel like it would be a robbery to my culture if I don’t,” said speaker Jeunee Roberts. “He’s an amazing man.”
Students were also reminded that King’s work must continue.
“He’s a reminder of the work that we still have to do as far as social justice,” said Hilary Webb, a junior studying English. “He’s also a reminder that work can still be done.”
Miller reminded students of the work that still needs to be done in King’s place and honor.
“Today is a start, as we join to honor and celebrate an incredibly remarkable man,” she said. “Our job is to carry it forward, for every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
– allie.jeppson3@gmail.com