The Honorable Pamela O’Berry and Shippensburg University President Laurie Carter helped lead the SU community in the 31st Annual Martin Luther King March for Humanity on Thursday.
The event, which is hosted by the African American Organization, started in Old Main Chapel with remarks from SU administrators. Carter and Donta Truss, the newly appointed vice president of enrollment and student success, spoke about how the march strengthens the community.
“There is power in unity,” Carter said, reiterating the theme of the event. “It is important for the success of the campus and for the success of the students.”
O’Berry, an alumna of SU, is the chief judge in the Chesterfield General District Court and served as the keynote speaker.
“Visibility, marching and remembrance is always a good thing,” O’Berry said in her address.
The event also featured remarks from students and faculty on why it is important to march.
“We march because not everyone is treated as equals,” said Marcus Watkins, the Ask. Communicate. Teach Tolerance committee chair.
There were also musical tributes to Martin Luther King Jr. by history professor Catherine Clay, as well as two selections from the Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Harmonic Voices of Truth gospel choir.
The call to march came from MSA Director Diane L. Jefferson, assistant to the director Kapri L. Brown and the Harmonic Voices of Truth.
The crowd marched peacefully from the Old Main fountain toward Reisner Dining Hall. Many marchers were members of an MSA organization, which included the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S, D.I.V.A.S, Elite Modeling Troupe, Heritage Dance Troupe, African-American Organization, Multi-Ethnic Student Association, Latino Student Organization, Harmonic Voices of Truth Gospel Choir and more.
Students march and chant with signs they made for the MLK March for Humanity. The event was one of many being held to celebrate Black History Month.
The MLK March for Humanity kicked off a string of Black History Month celebrations hosted by organizations of the Multicultural Student Affairs office.
Other upcoming events include an open house for the newly formed Muslim Student Union on Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. in Ceddia Union Building Room 103 and an R&B party hosted by the Afro-American Organization on Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. in Gilbert Hall Room 100.
The month closes with the annual BET Black Experience Tribute play on Feb. 23 and 24 in Memorial Auditorium.
For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved with MSA, contact the office by emailing msa@ship.edu or calling (717) 477-1616.
You can also stop by the MSA office in Gilbert Hall Room 102.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.