Louisiana State University, Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College joined forces last night at Southern University to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize the need for unity.
The night’s speakers, including East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden, emphasized the need for unity among the three colleges and throughout Baton Rouge.
“LSU, Southern, and BRCC are schools that are working towards unity — a common goal to make Baton Rouge a better place,” said Southern Assistant Vice Chancellor Lynn Dickerson.
Students from all three campuses heard student government presidents from each school present their commitments to unity.
Brad Golson, LSU Student Government president reminded students to start on their own campuses.
“Together we are three campuses, but one community,” he said. “It has to start somewhere, and we must take this opportunity to embrace diversity on our own campus.”
Danielle Smith, a marketing sophomore, said she was impressed by the diversity and participation.
“When people come together of different nationalities and different cultures, it’s a memorable experience,” she said.
Holden spoke of the need to be progressive and to remember King’s message not just on the day celebrating his birthday, but everyday.
“Regardless of our nationality, regardless of our social economic condition, regardless of what communities we come from, in God’s eyes, we are all one,” he said.
LSU Interim Chancellor William Jenkins said the community should focus on forward change. “We are making progress on many fronts,” he said. “But we are not there.”
BRCC Chancellor Myrtle E. B. Dorsey said the colleges all have a responsibility to King’s legacy. But she said, “the work is not done.”