Cold weather and strong winds did not stop members of the University community from remembering one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Several people from diverse backgrounds came to the University Memorial Tower on Monday night to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. with a candlelight vigil. Chancellor Sean O’Keefe said King’s legacy has taught people the importance of tolerance and the definition of diversity. “Diversity is for the purpose for all of us understanding that there’s a different way of looking at each and every thing,” he said. O’Keefe said King motivated people to be activists and to fight against intolerance, bigotry, racism and bias. O’Keefe considers King to be a modern patriot and someone who rose to every single challenge and taught followers by his example. After the speech from the chancellor and a moment of silence, participants proceeded to march. Attendants sang traditional civil rights songs. Daine Appleberry, international marketing junior and co-chair of the Marti Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration, said the vigil is in its 22nd year at the University. “We chose the actual Martin Luther King day to do our candlelight vigil because it allows us to honor as well as demonstrate what Dr. King faced during the civil rights times,” Appleberry said.
—-Contact J.J. Alcantara at [email protected]