This weekend’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events will culminate Monday during the 12th annual MLK Jr. Silent March and Celebratory Brunch.
The silent march begins at 10 a.m. on the Galbreath Chapel steps. It will cross College Green, cross President Street, pass Lindley Hall and end at Baker University Center, where the brunch will begin at 11 a.m.
The brunch will feature author, advocate and public speaker Kemba Smith Pradia presenting “From Dream to Social Justice: How a woman transformed adverse circumstances into healthy choices, healing and social justice.”
“Kemba will be sharing her experiences of her past life,” said Vincent Harris, a graduate student and graduate coordinator for LINKS and event organizer. “She will talk to students about her past struggles and will explain how the students can improve their lives upon the choices they make.”
Harris said the event-sponsoring groups — including Alpha Phi Alpha and the Ohio University MLK Planning Committee — wanted to provide an open event for all students and community members interested in participating.
“We depend heavily on co-sponsors who support in various ways,” said Harris. “We can offer a reasonable budget that includes the cost of the speaker and all of the technicalities that it takes to put on the event.”
In addition, guests will have the option of donating to the MLK Foundation in honor of the memorial built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“The Martin Luther King Monument is the first monument of any person of color,” Harris said. “There is still a balance on the monument, so we are using the event for individuals to be aware. Alpha Fraternity will make a donation to the monument as well.”
Stephanie Sanders, a graduate student and graduate assistant for the Office for Diversity, Access and Equity, said that this celebration allows students an opportunity to learn about social justice and become involved with school-sponsored events.
“It’s important for students to know the community, but many times, it’s easy for students to go four years without participating in a school-sponsored event,” said Sanders. “This weekend allows them an opportunity to get involved and hear about what they can do.”
ao007510@ohiou.edu
