By Madyson Fitzgerald
Every year, the University of Richmond hosts “MLK Day,” an entire day dedicated to the accomplishments and impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” emphasizes the unfinished movement that Dr. King has started. Today, we as a people have the opportunity to continue making change and creating a better future for people of color.
In observance of the holiday, classes are cancelled and both students and faculty are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The celebration began on Sunday with the showing of Flint: The Poisoning of an American City at the Byrd Theater. Monday, there were community service opportunities, family events, and a commemoration ceremony held to honor Dr. King. The service opportunities, organized by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, included bag decorating for the Doorways (a nonprofit that provides housing for the loved ones of patients), card decorating for Celebrate RVA (an organization that provides birthday parties for underprivileged children), and much more.
At the Modlin Center for the Arts, families came to participate in craft making and face painting for the MLK Family Day portion of the day. The closing commemoration ceremony was held in Camp Concert Hall, showcasing the N’goma Dance Team, members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, student reflections on Dr. King, and more. Pastor Vernon L. Gordon of The Life Church RVA was the keynote speaker, and gave a moving speech on the urgency of taking action now, a memorable way to end MLK Day at the University of Richmond.
Students put together goodie bags with candy for The Doorways, an organization that
houses the loved ones of patients that are in the hospital.
Students decorate goodie bags for The Doorways.
Students create birthday cards for Celebrate RVA, an organization that provides
birthdays for underprivileged children in Richmond.
A Richmond student helps a child create a friendship bracelet in the Modlin Center for the Arts.
Students prepare double-bags for the Food Bank.
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Rho Mu Chapter prepare double-bags for the Food Bank.
Students prepare double-bags for the Food Bank.
The N'goma Dance Group at Richmond performs for the MLK Day commemoration ceremony.
The N'goma dance group performs at the MLK Day commemoration ceremony.
Pastor Vernon L. Gordon of the Life Church RVA begins his speech
as the keynote speaker at the MLK Day commemoration ceremony.
The MLK Day commemoration ceremony was held in Camp Concert Hall,
welcoming students, faculty, staff and community members.
During the MLK Day commemoration ceremony,
sophomore Shira Greer reflects on Dr. King's impact in her life.
Members of Delta Sigma Theta Rho Rho Chapter step at the
MLK Day commemoration ceremony.
Photo’s By: Madyson Fitzgerald
