More than 60 people linked arms and walked silently through snow-covered College Green to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. yesterday.
Yesterday's march, which was led by King's own Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, began at Galbreath Chapel and concluded at the threshold of the Baker University Center Ballroom.
The march was symbolic of how far we've come as a nation and how far we still have to go
said Keith Mitchell, vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first fraternity founded by and for African-Americans.
The demonstration preceded a brunch that featured the Dream Alive Program, presented by former Colorado Lt. Gov. Joe Rogers.
The program, which gives commentary on and excerpts from King's speeches, was created by Rogers in 1986 and has been delivered in churches, schools and conferences around the country.
During his speech, Rogers asked the audience to travel back in time with him to the locations of some of the most significant events of the civil rights movement.
By embracing the past we have a better understanding of who we are as a people Rogers said.
After describing the political and social atmosphere of the summer of 1963, Rogers gave King's I Have a Dream speech, asking his listeners to imagine King himself speaking the words.
The 'I Have a Dream' speech captured the hopes
dreams and aspirations of millions and millions of people in our great nation
Rogers said. It is thought to be one of the five greatest speeches ever given by a human being in the history of the world.
Alpha Phi Alpha President DeAndre Christian said Rogers was recommended by OU's Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith. Christian said that the brunch sold out, with 352 people attending.
It was a great success; we had people waiting outside to see if they could find a seat
Christian said, adding that attendance was up from 230 last year.
It was an outstanding day of activities
said President Roderick McDavis, who attended both the march and the brunch.
The sense of community in this room is just incredible
McDavis said. I think (King) is looking down and smiling at this occasion.
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