Vigil first of events honoring MLK

Many programs highlighting King's philosophy will be held in the upcming two weeks. Linked arm in arm and singing "We Shall Overcome," students and community members marched to the Christian Association building last night during a vigil to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. About 100 people gathered together for the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Anti-Violence vigil. The event was the first in a two-week long series of programs entitled "The Importance of King's Philosophy and Action for the 21st Century." The vigil, which lacked candles due to the inclement weather, began at 7 p.m in front of W.E.B. DuBois College House. The event was sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the fraternity of which King was once a member. College senior Chaz Howard, an APA brother and former chairman of the United Minorities Council, said last night was an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of King. Inside the Christian Association Chapel, the a cappella group The Inspirations sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," while participants held hands in a circle. The song was followed by comments from University Chaplain William Gipson. Gipson said the purpose of the celebration was to promote "a society in which dignity and equality of opportunity is a birthright of every American." He added that MLK Day is more than a "memorial or a monument but an ongoing movement towards justice for the oppressed." Gipson also pointed out that King's image is often misrepresented by his "I Have A Dream" speech. Although the 1963 speech was optimistic, Gipson pointed out that King was well aware of the problems of militarism, racism and lack of economic opportunity in America by the time he was assassinated in 1968. After Gipson's speech, participants spoke about why they were attending the event. Many attendees talked about the need for students to keep King's message of peace and equality alive. A wide range of MLK events will be held over the next two weeks stressing the relevance of King's philosophy in the 21st century. "I think [MLK Day] is an opportunity to look at Martin Luther King's life and legacy, focusing particularly on social and economic justice," said Valerie DeCruz, director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center. Today, on the day of observance of King's birthday, DuBois will host a breakfast open to the entire University community and a public sign-up for community service programs. Along with the vigil, APA is also holding a day of fasting today in honor of King, as well as a community service event called "Day On/Not off." "Since it is not a holiday, instead of not going to class, we encourage students to come to community service," College senior and APA President Richard Adzei said. The GIC is co-sponsoring several events, including "Reaching The Promised Land," a forum featuring guest speaker Michael Eric Dyson, author of I May Not Get There With You: The True Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 24 at the Iron Gate Theater at 37th and Chestnut streets.