Fifty years now after Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot to death, Emporians say his message of unity and equality still rings true.
Celebrations of King’s life, legacy and message were held in two different locations Monday. First Friends Church was the site of the official community celebration.
About 50 people gathered for songs, prayers and reflections on King’s life and message.
Another 50 Emporia State students and staff gathered at the Memorial Union for an indoor candlelight vigil. Business student and football team captain Gary Woods reflected on King and other well-known African American men of King’s time, including Cassius Clay — later known as Muhammad Ali — and Jimi Hendrix. He also called the day a chance to reflect for everybody.
English professor and Kansas Poet Laureate Kevin Rabas linked King’s struggles to a now-disputed recent event where a number of white teenagers surrounded a Native American demonstrator at a march in Washington, D.C.
Activities continue this week on the Emporia State campus. There will be a “Black Out March” at Union Square at noon Tuesday. On Wednesday night, there will be a movie night featuring a screening of “The Butler” at 7 pm at the Memorial Union PKP Room. The annual King Lecture is at 6:30 pm Thursday at the Memorial Union Skyline Room.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}MLK Jan 21 2019{/gallery}
