Hundreds of students gathered in the Cotillion Ballroom on Monday night to listen to speakers honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with spoken word poetry, a message from Pastor Raymond A. Jetson and a lighting of candles.
The MLK Candlelight Vigil is an annual event held by the University chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The NPHC is a national organization composed of nine International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities, five of which have University chapters. Founded in 1930, the NPHC mission statement was “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.”
LSU NPHC President Anesha Pink of Alpha Kappa Alpha was thrilled by turnout for the event, and hopes that all in attendance recognized the importance of the message. Pink said Jetson was chosen as the keynote speaker because he was best suited for the message the NPHC was trying to deliver.
“[Out message] was not about race, it was more about a call to action,” Pink said. “We wanted him to motivate our youth to do more, to want to make a difference in their community. I think Pastor Jetson did an amazing job with that.”
Jetson has been at Star Hill Baptist Church in Baton Rouge since 1994. Jetson attended Southern University and served 15 years in the Louisiana State Legislature. He spoke about how he recognizes people remaining quiet in the face of injustice, and urged the audience to act whenever the situation arises.
“For those of you in this place who find there is just something within you that finds [remaining silent] intolerable, I encourage you to act on that passion,” Jetson said. “The most important decision you face is whether it will be a moment or a movement.”
Other speakers included spoken word artists, Michael J. Seaberry and Jazmyne Smith. Chase August of Alpha Pi Alpha read Dr. King’s Pledge of Nonviolence, followed by the lighting of the candles and Dr. King’s “We Shall Overcome” speech. The students then gathered for a reception provided by the NPHC.
Many of the students in attendance enjoyed the event. Business sophomore Kenya James said she attended to honor Dr. King’s legacy and achievements.
“I wanted to pay my respects to Martin Luther King,” James said. “He’s done so much for us in the black community and all people.”
Kinesiology sophomore Le’asia Bailey enjoyed the events the University held to honor Dr. King such as the day of service.
“LSU does try to implement different communities and reach out to Baton Rouge as well as the LSU community and family,” Bailey said. “I really enjoy and respect that about our University.”
The NPHC holds the vigil every Martin Luther King Jr. Day as well as other events throughout the week. The organization is always active and promoting inclusion and activity in all events.
