Despite freezing outdoor temperatures, students, faculty and members of the community filled Shippensburg University’s Old Main Chapel on Thursday, Jan. 29, to participate in the 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March for Humanity.

Prior to the march, speakers were chosen to give remarks, including new Diane L. Jefferson Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) Director Danielle Martin and Associate Director Arnold Taylor. Pennsylvania state Rep. Jordan A. Harris was also present as a guest speaker.

After MSA senator Kamryn Wilkerson’s brief introduction and speech on the legacy of the March for Humanity, SU President Charles Patterson thanked the leaders and members of MSA for keeping the legacy.

“Here we are, still marching, still learning, still committed. That persistence and the dedication of our students, our faculty, our staff, our community and our stakeholders deserves recognition,” Patterson said. “We gather today, and we march today, not to suggest that the work is complete but to affirm that it continues.”

Before ending his speech, Patterson highlighted the work of the late inaugural director of MSA Diane L. Jefferson, who founded the March for Humanity at SU 38 years ago. This year’s march was the first without Jefferson’s leadership.

“Her presence, her voice and her unwavering commitment continue to guide us,” Patterson said.

Martin welcomed Representative Harris to the stage by giving a brief speech about his political career.

The overarching theme of Harris’ speech discussed the power young people wield to lead change across the world.

“Dr. King was not an old man when he was doing the work of the civil rights movement,” he said. “Not one movement on this earth has ever been successful for justice without young people leading it.”

Harris also stressed the importance of students projecting their voices both in-person and online. “If you’ve got 2,000 followers, that’s 2,000 people you could be mobilizing … I really wonder what this country would be if young people like you really mobilized.”

Shortly before presentations ended and the march began, Shippensburg University and MSA alumni JaKye Holmes performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Martin then gave closing remarks.

Attendees gathered outside of Old Main, carrying banners that promoted various MSA-affiliated student organizations. The march travelled by campus down Adams Drive before turning toward the CUB.

The large gathering of attendees was ignited with conversation, laughter and chanting. Among the chants heard were “no struggle, no progress” and “the people united will never be divided.”

Thursday afternoon’s march concluded in the CUB MPR, where the participating student organizations had booths set up. Associate Director Taylor took the stage to thank all who participated in the march and encouraged students to network with the organizations present.

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