Senator honors MLK

African-American students must become future leaders in society, State Senator-elect Vincent Hughes said at a "sunrise breakfast" at W.E.B. DuBois College House yesterday. Hughes was the keynote speaker at the two-hour breakfast, which was held to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But while students and faculty alike said they enjoyed Hughes' speech and the breakfast, some expressed disappointment that the University had not officially recognized the King holiday. "I'm disturbed, but not surprised," Wharton sophomore Imani Dawson said. "I think it's indicative of the University's lack of concern for the needs of its diverse student body." Director of the Program for Student-Community Involvement David Grossman agreed, but voiced support for the day's University-sponsored events. "On one level, I would like the University to honor the day," said Grossman. "On another, I am pleased that the University has supported today's events. Perhaps there could be a happy medium with the University open and classes closed." Regardless of University policy, though, many said the significance of the breakfast's theme did not go unnoticed. "The breakfast provided an opportunity for people to put the day into context," Grossman said. "It was the initial gathering point for people who wanted to celebrate and honor Dr. King." Black armbands reading "Now 95" in white letters were sold at the door -- a reference to the theme of the day's events, "In a word . . . NOW!" "The armbands were sold to commemorate the holiday," Wharton freshman Miki Toliver said. "I hope their presence will get people to recognize and remember the day and Dr. King." The breakfast was the first event in yesterday's day-long program honoring King. Sponsored by the Black Student League, it drew about 70 students and faculty members.