Kennesaw State celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, Jan. 17.
The half-hour virtual event became available on KSU’s YouTube channel at noon. The pre-recorded celebration honored Dr. King’s perseverance and contributions to society.
“This is an important time in the life of KSU each year,” KSU Interim President Kathy Schwaig said. “As we honor a man who … bridged racial divides and helped transform the hearts and minds of our nation.”
Following the interim president’s opening remarks, the KSU Gospel Choir performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Written originally as a poem in 1900, the song would come to be known as “The Black National Anthem” as Black Americans often recited it throughout the Civil Rights Movement, according to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
President of the Tau Zeta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Daniel Simpson proceeded with a commemoration of Dr. King. According to Simpson, Dr. King pledged to the fraternity in 1952 while earning a Doctorate in Philosophy from Boston University.
“He was a physical embodiment of the arms of our fraternity,” Simpson said. “A practitioner of the objectives of this body, and he stood firmly on the mission that serves as the foundation of this house.”
The celebration’s keynote speaker was Georgia Supreme Court Associate Justice, Verda Colvin. Since receiving her Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law, Justice Colvin has served on numerous committees and organizations, earning her nearly a dozen distinguished honors.
“I have always been in awe of the life and sacrifice of Dr. King,” Justice Colvin said. “In my mind, he led an exemplary life: a life of service above self.”
Justice Colvin admitted that Dr. King is one of her idols, appreciative of his devotion to assisting others. According to Justice Colvin, applying Dr. King’s philosophy of service and selflessness has benefited her throughout her career.
Nevertheless, she reminded viewers that America still finds itself facing issues Dr. King fought to overcome: poverty, decent employment, decent housing, quality education, justice and peace. Judge Colvin shared that, according to Forbes, 13.4% of the US population lives in poverty.
“The idea of a beloved, inclusive and respectful community must continue to be an aspiration that you—each of you—vow to continue, regardless of your discipline of study or choice of career,” Justice Colvin said.
At the end of her address, Justice Colvin tasked students with imagining an equitable world for all of its citizens. She encouraged students to lead a life of service to others, enacting the change they wish to see.
“I am convinced,” Justice Colvin continued, “that Dr. King would remind each of us if he were still among us, that perhaps the only way we can achieve justice for all, peace on Earth is if we embrace and cultivate what it means to be humankind.”
She concluded with questions to be considered: “If not now, then when? If not you, then who?”
Monday’s virtual celebration of Dr. King’s legacy can be found on KSU’s Cultural and Community Centers webpage. A full calendar of the university’s week-long celebration of Dr. King can be found on KSU’s website.
