by Emma Myers~ Copy Editor
Photos of students and community participating in Walk of Honor. Taken by Emma Myers on Jan. 26.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been nationally recognized as a federal holiday since 1983, and became an observed government holiday in 2000.
The day itself is symbolic of King’s birthday, which is January 15, though it is officially celebrated each year on the third Monday in Jan.. This year, the third Monday coincidentally fell on Jan. 15, but students did not return to campus until later in the week.
The University Of Lynchburg celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day throughout the week of Jan. 22-26 with a variety of different events.
There was a Trivia Night in Westover, speaker Penny Blue made a visit to campus, and a Day Of Service was hosted on Jan. 25 at T.C. Miller Elementary School from 9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m..
To top off the week of festivities, there was a Walk Of Honor from the Snidow chapel to Hopwood on Jan. 26.
The attendees gathered at 4 p.m. to begin their march in solidarity of King’s sentiment of equality.
Before commencement photographed by Emma Myers
It was a beautiful day for a walk, with temperatures reaching into the 70s; and, there were many who gathered to support the cause.
Jonathan Suarez, sophomore, said, “The MLK walk was very inspirational and [informative.] Being there with friends and colleagues, honoring his life and achievements brought a sense of togetherness and unity here on campus. Also hearing about all of the amazing things that made it possible that isn’t taught in schools helps shine a light on what he did and the history on how we got to where we are today.”
The students all gathered for a beautiful ceremony, consisting of speeches, singing, and more.
A speech being given by Dai’dieon Colmore, photographed by Emma Myers.
The walk was preceded by a speech from President Allison, and the ceremony was topped off with a song sung by Josiah Randles, and more.
Marques Armstrong, Junior and SGA President, said, “As we began the walk, we sung songs while walking around the dell and marching in unity to show respect towards Dr. King’s legacy…This event highlighted the importance of why we should celebrate Dr.King accomplishments along with other many civil right advocates who marched [alongside] him to fight for equal rights for the black community.”
In all, the Walk Of Honor beautifully honored Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. To find out about more events being hosted by the Office Of Equity and Inclusion, check out their Instagram page.
NCC Staff. (2024, January 15). How The Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Became A Holiday. National Constitution Center . https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/how-martin-luther-king-jr-s-birthday-became-a-holiday-3#:~:text=King’s%20birthday%20was%20finally%20approved,state%20government%20holiday%20by%202000.
