OHIO community celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ohio University students, faculty and staff and Athens community members gathered on Monday, Jan. 16, to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Story by Jordan Schmitt, Photos by Eli Burris and Dylan Benedict | January 26, 2023
Share:
Ohio University students, faculty and staff and Athens community members gathered on Monday, Jan. 16, to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The annual MLK Celebratory Brunch began with a viewing of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Attendees quickly grew silent as Dr. King’s words from 1963 rang through Baker Ballroom.
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Chapter hosted and emceed the event.
Sharell Arocho led off the program with a musical performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Remarks from Ohio University President Dr. Hugh Sherman and Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Salome Nnoromele followed.
After enjoying brunch provided by OHIO’s Culinary Services, guests watched as the Athens Black Contemporary Dancers performed an inspiring rendition of “Four Women” by Nina Simone.
Athens Mayor Steve Patterson also gave remarks before welcoming 2023 MLK Celebratory Brunch keynote speaker and OHIO alumnus Timothy A. Brown.
Brown is a ministry leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, author, educator and motivational speaker. He spoke of his upbringing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and East Cleveland. Brown spoke fondly of his hardworking mother who shared with him and his siblings the sacrifices and opportunities that the Civil Rights Movement provided. He described the joy his mother felt from witnessing three out of her four children attend and graduate from Ohio University.
“Dr. King taught us a whole lot of lessons,” Brown said in his keynote address. “But I think that the most important lesson he taught was that if we suffer together, we can rise together.”
As the program drew to a close, Arocho performed “Better Days” by Le’Andria Johnson and encouraged audience members to join. Her performance ended the celebration on a note of happiness and hope.
In conclusion, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion extended thanks to all of the University departments, student organization and local community leaders who purchased sponsorships for the brunch and helped ensure its success.
Community members, students, faculty and staff exit Galbreath Chapel to participate in the Silent March across College Green.
Jalin Holloway, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., speaks before the MLK Silent March.
Participants pose for a photo prior to the Silent March.
With linked arms, participants in the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Silent March make their way to Baker University Center.
Dr. Salome Nnoromele, the interim Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, gives her remarks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration brunch.
Timothy Brown, Ohio University graduate and keynote speaker, gives his speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration brunch.
Guests at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration brunch watch a recording of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous "I have a dream" speech to begin the celebration.
Sharell Arocho sings ‘"Lift Every Voice and Sing" to honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Athens Black Contemporary Dancers, which includes Ania Fuller, Makayla Moore, Najah Carson, and Alexis Fuqua, are shown performing at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration brunch at Baker Center.