King vigil calls for harmony

A candlelight procession illuminated the path from the W.E.B. DuBois College House to the Christian Association last night, as marchers sang "We Shall Overcome" to commemorate the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The vigil, led by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., featured University Chaplain William Gipson as its keynote speaker. The vigil was open to "anyone committed to bringing the unrealized portions of the dream to fruition," Gipson said. Once the procession reached the Christian Association, Gipson facilitated a discussion, in which students from Penn, Drexel and Temple shared what King's remembrance signified to them. Gipson began the powerful conversation saying, "Friends, we are gathered here this Sunday because we are believers." He added, "You are the people who can continue the story by living the dream." James Wilburn, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., said, "Someone has paved the way, and it is now time for us to pave the way for our children." Vice President Jorge Leon added, "There's a bit of Dr. King in all of us, and we should remember ourselves that our struggle is not over." Once the discussion ended, Wharton and Engineering senior Athelstan Bellerand, Jr., led the group in a moving rendition of "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," the black national anthem. The candlelight vigil began at 7:06 p.m., a time particularly significant for the brothers, since the fraternity was founded by seven men at Cornell University in 1906. The vigil marked the beginning of a fasting period -- presenting the theme of the evening "modest sacrifices create admirable contributions" -- which will end at sundown Monday. "Fasting helps us to realize sacrifices made for us, how far we have come -- just to reflect and say thank you," Leon said. "We didn't get here by ourselves," he added. Wilburn told the group to reflect on the pain and suffering their ancestors endured and that fasting would purify the mind and body of this pain. The fast also protests the University's policy of holding classes today despite the holiday honoring King. The vigil marked the beginning of Alpha Week, created by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha to commemorate figures who fought for racial equality. The brothers have planned a series of events for this week, including a non-violence workshop with children this afternoon, a film night, blood drive, the InterGreek basketball tournament and black literature night. Alpha Week will culminate with the 12th annual semi-formal cabaret. Leon said, "Not only is this a chance for us to express our uniqueness, but it is an opportunity for Penn students to experience it." And Max-Acnri Cozil, advisor to the Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., emphasized the universality of King's message. "Martin Luther King, Jr.'s teachings were not only focused on African Americans," Cozil said. "His teachings were teachings of non-violence and that applies to everyone," Cozil added.

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