MLK Day Continues
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been celebrated nationally for the past 32 years.
Here at UNC Pembroke, students, faculty and staff continue to celebrate his legacy by participating in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week.
A few events from the dedicated week were postponed due to the Grayson Southeast snowstorm. The storm stretched from North Florida to the East Carolinas. Chatham, Orange, Person and Durham counties received between 10-12 inches of snow, according to WRAL.
The slippery roads did not stop all students from participating in the holiday’s events, however. Monday morning, students volunteered with Community and Civic Engagement for Service Day.
Photo taken from Wikicommons
Kayla McCarthy volunteered with her modeling troop, Vanity Fair, and said she enjoyed the event.
“I had fun, I participate every year. This year was better than the last because station volunteers were very helpful,” said McCarthy.
She assisted the Boys & Girls Club by washing the company’s vehicles.
“I felt like we all had a purpose for being there,” said McCarthy. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion rescheduled some events because of the unpredictable weather.
“We’re so used to it, it comes and it goes,” said Dr. Robert L. Canida, director of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. The office collaborated with other organizations like the Residence Hall Association and Vocal Harmony for Dr. King’s Candlelight Vigil and the 14th annual program, which has been postponed to Feb. 5.
Tau Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Paul Brown will be the keynote speaker for the annual program this year.
Dr. Canida is looking forward to presenting the new Collie Coleman Scholarship recipient that evening, as well.
With the help of the MLK events committee, Dr. Canida found the week has been efficient.
“There’s no way, we could do what we do without the support of student orgs, as well as my colleagues and other departments,” Dr. Canida said.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” was given in 1963 around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. D.C. His speech moved many and provided a sense of hope to all, that change can be made.
Dr. King’s desire for peace and acceptance has and continues to progress over time. Minorities make up 62 percent of the university. UNC-Pembroke is one of the most diverse universities in the South.
