Ohio University’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life began Monday morning with a silent march and brunch.
Students, faculty and community members gathered at Galbreath Chapel for a quick prayer service and then marched across College Green to the top of Baker Center where a brunch took place.
Although Martin Luther King Jr. Day consists of no classes for Ohio University students, the third Monday in January is hoped to be looked at as a day on, not a day off, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated organized this year’s march where attendees walked to honor Dr. King for his work toward racial equality and justice for all people.
Dr. Kalvin Harvell speaks to the crowd at the MLK Day brunch in Baker Center Ball
The president of the fraternity, Tyrell Carter, says the silent event is important for everyone to continue “moving forward” which is also the national MLK day theme for 2020.
“We are all together. We’re locked arm, that’s what he wanted that’s what his dream was about and you dream in silence, you’re not talking in your dreams.”
Dr. Kalvin DaRonne Harvell, center, and Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. fraternity brothers lead a silient march on Jan. 20, 2020, during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
Dr. Kalvin DaRonne Harvell speaks to a crowd on Jan. 20, 2020, during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
Jasmine Dabney, left, sings while Kayla Randolph plays piano on Jan. 20, 2020 during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
People flock to the brunch buffet tables on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
People flock to the brunch buffet tables on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
Tyrone Carr, left, and Tamika Williams speak to the crowd on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
People march to the Baker Center in silence on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
Tyrone Carr, center, is greeted by Alpha Phi Apha Inc. fraternity brothers before entering the Galbreath Chapel on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
Gabriel Elder, a senior and Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. fraternity brother, walks toward the Baker Center on Jan. 20, 2020 during, a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
ÒOtis and the BandÓ play music to the crowd on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
The Baker Ballroom on Jan. 20, 2020, during a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March and Brunch at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. PHOTO: Charles Hatcher/WOUB
The brunch featured food, performances from O-U organizations and a keynote speaker, Dr. Kalvin Harvell.
Carter says the event is centered around togetherness.
“Personally it really just shows that everyone is together. Shows that everyone cares and everyone is actually trying to make a change and make a step and modeling a new way and challenging the process.
The celebration doesn’t stop there, events will be held throughout the week.
Tuesday: Rabbi Sandra Lawson will host a faith acts event in Galbreath Chapel at 6 P.M.
Wednesday: The Career and Leadership Development Center’s Black Excellence Panel. The Panel discussion will take place from 6-7 P.M in Baker. A networking hour will immediately follow.
Thursday: Charity Basketball Game from 6-8 P.M. in the Ping Recreation Center.
Friday: MLK Jr. Celebration Arts Cypher in the Baker University Center Theatre at 6 P.M.
Saturday: Day of Service. This will take place from 9 A.M to 5 P.M. at several locations.
Sunday: Multicultural Fitness Expo from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. in Grover Center Atrium.
