On Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Jan. 15, ETSU faculty members and students gathered in Burgin-Dossett to celebrate and honor his legacy.
“This is a program that we thought we needed to have to let people know that we wanted to honor Dr. King on his actual birthday, and that we haven’t forgotten his actual birthday,” said Laura Terry, the director of programming and outreach for the ETSU Multicultural Center.
ETSU President Brian Noland gave the opening remarks.
“In my comments this morning, I want to not talk so much about Reverend King because I would like to talk a little bit about how his passion impacted others,” said Noland.
Noland also addressed the story of John Lewis and the power of hope.
“As we prepare to light this candle and celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, let us all think how we in our small ways can serve as a light in this new year, to put the darkness of 2020 and the past four years behind us,” said Noland.
Noland introduced Katherine Saliba, graduate assistant for programming and outreach for the Multicultural Center. Saliba spoke about King, then welcomed Jerrica Dyson, who sang a few songs in honor of King.
The Rev. Braxton read some of King’s iconic work, then introduced Calvin Claggett, the director for external operations and special assistant to vice president of equity and inclusion for ETSU Athletics. Claggett lit the candle and observed a moment of silence in honor of King.
Next, vice president for equity and inclusion Keith Johnson told an impactful story about his parents and their contributions to social and racial justice.
Dyson sang again to conclude the event, inviting those in attendance to sing with her.
“Today is special, and I’m glad we are able to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King every year,” said Carshonda Harris, the director of the Multicultural Center. “I hope that we can work through all of our differences, and we can come together to help move the world in the right direction.”
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