Marietta College began its week-long celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a powerful tribute at the Alma McDonough Auditorium on Saturday. The event served as a platform to reflect on the civil rights leader’s enduring impact and highlighted the college’s commitment to promoting justice, equality, and nonviolence.
A Transformative Experience in Montgomery, Alabama
The celebration included presentations from students who participated in a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, last year. The journey took them to key civil rights landmarks and the Legacy Museum, which traces the history of slavery, racial injustice, and the civil rights movement in the United States.
Student Arianna Brown described the experience as life-changing.
“It was very impactful for me because I didn’t know most of the things,” Brown said. “It was so life-changing I even cried at certain points. It was informative and good to know about my background and information I didn’t know I needed to know.”
Her peer, Sarah Watson, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the profound difference between learning about history through books and experiencing it firsthand.
“You can sit there and read all the facts that you want, but until you go there and experience it, it’s two entirely different experiences,” Watson said.
What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Means to Students
For many, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. symbolizes a beacon of hope and inspiration.
“He’s just a life-changer,” Brown shared. “I want to do the same thing he kind of did but in a different aspect. He’s really inspiring.”
Watson reflected on the importance of honoring King’s legacy:
“To me, it means recognizing and honoring such a great person in our country’s history. It’s a way of moving forward while respecting our past.”
A Historic Connection to Dr. King
Dr. King’s ties to Marietta College run deep. In 1967, he visited the campus to discuss integration and the challenges of poverty in the United States. Addressing a crowd of 3,000 people, King shared his vision of unity and equality.
“Our skin may be different, but affection dwells in Black and white the same,” King said during his speech.
Reflecting on this historic visit, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Tony Mayle, remarked:
“Dr. King’s ultimate goal was to show that we’re all brothers and sisters. We all share and want the same thing—equality and equity.”
A Theme of Nonviolence and Justice
This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence,” reinforces the importance of pursuing justice through peaceful means.
“Dr. King stood for equality and equity, but doing it in a nonviolent way,” Mayle said. “His legacy reminds us that we’re all connected in our pursuit of a fair and just society.”
Keynote Address by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
The event featured a keynote address by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, a civil rights activist who was the youngest participant in the historic “Bloody Sunday” march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination required to enact meaningful change.
A Week of Service and Celebration
The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day extends throughout the week at Marietta College. Students are engaging in community service projects with local organizations, embodying King’s commitment to uplifting communities and fostering unity.
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of equality, justice, and nonviolence continues to inspire generations. Marietta College’s events serve as a reminder that his dream is still alive, urging individuals to work collectively toward a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
By reflecting on the past and actively participating in creating a better future, Marietta College honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This week-long tribute is a call to action for all to remember King’s words and work toward the ideals he championed: freedom, justice, and equality for all.
