To kick off the start of Black History Month, the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center is hosting its annual MLK Legacy Ceremony on Feb. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Alumni Bell Tower.
The MLK Legacy Ceremony was scheduled for MLK Day but was canceled due to inclement weather. Nate Tadesse, assistant director and mentor coordinator for the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center, said it is rescheduled to coincide with the celebration of Black History Month, honoring a symbol who contributed greatly to the black community, alongside other people worldwide.
The MLK Ceremony highlights the work that Martin Luther King Jr. did as an activist and voice for equality for all races. The annual MLK Legacy Ceremony was designed for campus for students to be involved and let their voices be heard. The ceremony will be voiced by students, faculty and staff who will be speaking on behalf of MLK’s legacy and contributions.
The MLK Ceremony is a great way to start Black History Month, but it doesn’t stop there. The Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center will also have different events and celebrations to honor different aspects of black history and people throughout black history during February, which can be found on the campus calendar.
“We are inviting students, campus and the community to come and participate in these celebrations,” said Tadesse.
The MLK Ceremony will be followed by a cake-cutting celebration on the first floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cake celebration will also be a time that students and individuals on campus will be given ribbons that symbolize the colors for Black History Month. Come out and listen to the amazing stories and impact that Martin Luther King Jr. had on students and people here at ETSU.
“Celebrating King’s legacy at the beginning of the spring semester is always beneficial and a reminder that we have someone who can inspire us to do great things, and also be concerned for our fellow human beings. It is a significant time and event that helps us to remember and focus on things that are important and valuable that can commemorate our commitment to ourselves and our community,” said Tadesse.
