Students remember the late Dr. King
By Robert Deckert
Staff Writer
Students and faculty joined together Jan. 17 at the Chavis University Center and the Sampson-Livermore Library to take part in remembering the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 Photos courtesy of Robert Canida |
The tribute started as a candlelight vigil at the Chavis University Center and ended at the Sampson-Livermore Library where a program was held to honor Dr. King.
Associate Director of Residence Life Cynthia Redfearn delivered a speech in honor of Dr. King.
“We should never forget the sacrifice that brought us all here tonight,” Redfearn said.
Among those attending were Tanya Nolen and Brandy Crawley, who represented the National Council of Negro Women.
The acting troupe One Voice, which consisted of high school seniors from Durham and was directed by Wendell Tabb, performed a dramatic skit depicting the continual struggle by African Americans.
“We are going to follow the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King and stand for everyone,” Tabb said. “We’re getting there, but we still have a long way to go.”
Some, including office assistant in the Office of Multicultural and Minority Affairs Lisa Bullard, felt that the event was a very powerful and moving tribute.
Also in attendance was UNCP alumni Derrick Montgomery who felt the tribute made people respect the lives they have.
Chancellor Allen C. Meadors was also in attendance and said, “It’s not about an event. It’s about a way of life.”
Robert Canida, director of the Office of Multicultural and Minority Affairs, said, “I’m always pleased with the support from the Chancellor to Dr. Diane Jones and to Dr. Collie Coleman.”
Canida added that he felt Dr. King’s legacy, his dream, was not just for blacks, but for everyone. Although the tribute was viewed as overall excellent, some found it lacking in student participation. "I wished more [students] would have been a part of it,” said UNCP alum Virgil Oxendine.
King was assassinated April 4, 1968, on the balcony of Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., by James Earl Ray and was buried April 9 on the grounds that are now known as the King Center but served as King’s childhood home.
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The print edition of The Pine Needle is published 14 times a year during the fall and spring semesters. Updated: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 © The University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
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