Students Use Arts to Celebrate MLK Legacy

January 23, 2006

By Amanda Lewis, Student Newswriter

Baylor University will celebrate the message and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a tribute at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in the Barfield Drawing Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center. The annual event, hosted by the Association of Black Students, will feature the artistic talents of students in order to honor the outstanding accomplishments of Dr. King in his pursuit of racial equality.
The celebration will begin with an opening prayer and scripture reading. Student tributes then will include a liturgical dance by ABS President LaQuatre Rhodes, a poetry reading and a selection by the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church College Choir.
"It is important to recognize Dr. King's life because his actions significantly changed the course of our nation's history. He appealed to the consciousness of America and advocated non-violent conflict resolution to solve social injustices," said Taryn Ozuna, coordinator for multicultural activities. "Dr. King's selfless and persistent fight for equality serves as an inspiration to Baylor students to serve their neighbor."
Baylor's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration occurs between the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 16 and Black History Month in February. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is recognized each year for his significant contributions to the United States Civil Rights Movement, and Black History Month brings awareness to important social strides made by African-Americans.
Additional events to commemorate Black History Month include the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.'s "Battle on the Burning Sands" step show on Saturday, Jan. 28, and Gospel Fest 2006 on Saturday, Feb. 11.
For more information about the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration or other multicultural activities, contact Ozuna at (254) 710-6949 or Taryn_Ozuna@baylor.edu.