News
Frigid Weather Doesn’t Discourage MLK Marchers
By: Kaitlyn Roman
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The frigid seven-degree weather did not stop students and Athens community members from participating in a silent march to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“It’s not just a day of recognition and remembrance, it’s a day of service, not a day off,” said Kaliq Carr, a silent march participant. “People take it as another day we don’t have to go to classes or we don’t have to do anything.”
The march began in front of the Galbreath Chapel on Ohio University’s College Green, processed through the Arch of Knowledge and concluded in Baker Center.
“As I walked shoulder to shoulder with some of you today, I could feel the presence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Ohio University President Roderick McDavis.
Following the march, the 16th annual MLK Brunch took place in Baker Center where President McDavis, Athens Mayor Steve Patterson and Keynote Speaker, Yohru R. Williams, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of History at Fairfield University, gave remarks.
Dr. William’s speech titled, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” examined the legacy of Dr. King in the context of the Black Lives Matter Movement today.
“I hope they feel inspired, and I hope they take to heart Dr. McDavis’ call for this to be a more active campus, and an incubator for social justice, because that’s what we really need at universities,” said Dr. Williams.
Ohio University will continue to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the week with scheduled events and throughout the entire month of January.