With candles and song, Penn honors King

More than 60 students and faculty members joined in a candlelight vigil last night. Carrying lit candles and singing "deep in my heart, I do believe that we shall overcome someday," more than 60 people marched from W.E.B. DuBois College House to the Christian Association last night to honor the memory of the late Martin Luther King Jr. Part of the University's third annual Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative celebration, the annual vigil was led by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, to which King once belonged. The vigil is held "in remembrance of Martin Luther King and our ancestors who have made it possible for some of us to be here today," College sophomore and Alpha Phi Alpha brother Charles Howard said. Students, faculty and Philadelphia residents joined in the march, carrying lit candles symbolizing hope. "As long as there's one [candle] lit, we have hope to make it," Howard explained. Following the vigil, the group joined in a "libation" -- a traditional African ceremony used to honor ancestors -- at the Christian Association. Howard led the circle of people gathered in remembering the social activist through prayers and personal affirmations on the eve marking his birthday. Both Reverend Beverly Dale, head of the Christian Association, and University Chaplain William Gibson addressed the group. Gibson, who was also once a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, quoted King, "True compassion is more than flinging a coin at a beggar." Encouraging the group to continue King's work in crossing racial barriers, he added that"in [doing] that work, you will be fulfilling the dream." Toni Lambert, an administrative assistant in the Psychology Department, said "it's the people we come into contact with who we have to help see the light." Following the two speakers, members of the group were invited to share their own experiences as part of the libation, as well as any inspirations or thoughts drawn from King's work and life. 1997 College graduate James Wilburn, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, encouraged the group to make an effort to "be part of [King's dream] every day of your life," rather than for only one night each year. The libation and speakers were a new addition to this year's vigil, Howard noted. The brothers also tried to attract more people to the vigil -- which drew a group of about 50 people last year -- and to make the vigil a more prominent part of the University's activities honoring King. In addition to the vigil, Alpha Phi Alpha began a day-long fast last night in honor of King.

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