College Commemorates Life and Work of Martin Luther King Jr.: Photogallery

MLK CommemorationEvery year students, professors, and staff members commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a special time of worship in the Ozinga Chapel.

On January 16, many gathered to celebrate the 83rd birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the campus event, “Reflections on the Effects of Dr. King’s Legacy.”

Dr. David Brodnax, Sr., associate professor of history, presented the main message, highlighting King’s work in the area of economic justice.

“Less frequently…do we discuss King’s work to achieve economic justice and the linkages that he saw between racism, poverty, and war. And yet this was a vitally important part of his public mission, particularly in the last few years of his life,” said Brodnax. “King also began drawing attention to the problems faced by poor whites, Native Americans, Latinos, and residents of Third World countries. In short, he was drawing attention to something that Americans often want to overlook or ignore: class.

“It is appropriate that today, as we think about the applications of his message in our world, we remember this part of his legacy.” 

Following the presentation, several students, professors, and staff members, offered their personal reflections on King’s life and his influence on their lives. Tabitha Matthews, coordinator of pre-college programs, read excerpts from King’s speeches and served as Master of Ceremony.

An inspirational time of worship was offered by Sylvia Turner ’10 in the form of a praise dance and by Trinity’s Gospel Choir, who sang “Speak” and “God Is Great.”

A music video, commemorating the life and work of King and created by Justin James ’12 of Riverside, Illinois, was shown as guest enjoyed refreshments.

The event was sponsored by Trinity’s Office of Ethnic Diversity, the history department, and the Ethnic Diversity Committee.