Campus, community celebrate MLK Day

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By Ashley Gatlin

 

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is what more than 1,000 people  did Monday morning in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 19, 2009 will likely be remembered as a historic day in the U.S. Not only was it the celebration of King’s 80th birthday, but it was also the day before the first African American will be sworn into office as president of the United States.

“To some, Dr. King was a dreamer, and tomorrow, when Barack Obama gets inaugurated, that will be realization to the dream,” said Francene Botts-Butler, director of Multicultural Student Services at Morehead State University. “In my lifetime, to see an African-American president is amazing.”

A diverse crowd braved the cold for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Freedom March through downtown Lexington.

“It was cold,” said Carrie Zhang, a junior at Tates Creek High School. “It is such a snowy day and people still came out to walk. Martin Luther King is on people’s minds.”

Immediately following the march, a narrative concert was performed by the American Spiritual Ensemble at Heritage Hall in the Lexington Convention Center. The ensemble performed under the direction of Everett McCorvey, Lexington Opera Society Endowed Chair of Opera in the UK School of Music and director of the UK Opera Theatre.

“I’ve never seen so many people in one area smiling and so friendly,” said Jenn Kucan, a social work junior.

The crowd watched as the music played and the Unity Candles were lit.

“UK is very proud to be part of this event,” said UK President Lee Todd. “I would like to think that when Barack Obama places his hand on Lincoln’s bible to take the oath of president of the United States that Martin Luther King Jr. will be watching.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. sponsored a commemorative breakfast that took place in Heritage Hall, where more than 1,300 people came to celebrate King’s deeply rooted dream.

“Just being able to look across the tables and see all the people come together for one common goal is a blessing,” said Lisa Brown, director of student and multicultural affairs in the School of Journalism and Telecommunication at UK. “Today is even more special to me because of what is going to transpire tomorrow. It is very inspirational knowing that the legacy continues.”