Program celebrates King's life, message

More than 100 students and faculty members attended an Interfaith service commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr., through speeches, song and discussion Thursday night. The program, which was sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain and the Interfaith Council, featured Johnetta Cole, president emerita of Spelman College in Atlanta as its keynote speaker. According to Cole, it was King's role as an American "agent of change" that not only created significant progress in American society, but should also continue to "inspire our nation to find its way to freedom and democracy for all." But she stressed that true equality and sincere democracy have not yet been achieved in this country. "No, things are not as they should be, but they will never get better until we commit ourselves to being agents of change," Cole reminded the audience. She then outlined ways the audience members could become "agents of change" themselves. First, Cole said, it is imperative for people to believe that it is "possible to make things better." Americans should "lobby and agitate, pressure and vote," and, using the model of King's persistence, never become complacent or believe America has truly succeeded in reaching its full potential, she said. Finally, Cole encouraged the audience to perform community service, noting that King was a man who was committed to "doing for others" and exhibited admirable humanitarianism. The requirements for community service, she said, are only a "heart full of grace" and a "soul generated by love." Cole's dramatic conclusion earned her a standing ovation as she stepped off the podium. The program was also an attempt to bring together members of various races and religious affiliations. Speakers included University Chaplain William Gipson, who began the evening, as well as Jeremy Brochin, the director of Hillel. "[King] was able to affirm who he was, yet reach out to others," Brochin noted. Other speakers included Gloria Chisum, the vice chairperson of the University Trustees, and Reverend Beverly Dale, the executive director of the Christian Association. Among the other highlights were performances by R'Nanah and The Inspiration, two coed a capella singing groups who sang songs concerning freedom, love and brotherhood. The event also featured a panel of faculty members and students who attempted to answer the challenging question, "Where do we go from here?" Each member of the panel spoke about the effects of King's words and messages, as well as his current impact on the University. College freshman Scott Dash, who attended the event, said it allowed him to play a part in fulfilling King's dream. "I came here not only to honor a man and his message [but to] help to realize Dr. King's too long-awaited dream," he said.