MLK Candlelight march offers venue of reflection
   
   Strains of the spiritual hymn “This Little Light of Mine” echoed off the African American Cultural Center walls as more than 350 people gathered at dusk Monday to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Candlelight march began in front of the Memorial Tower and moved through campus, ending in the Union Atchafalaya Room for a short program. Church groups and campus organizations held signs while others held candles and sang old hymns during the solemn procession.
“It is a time to unite as brothers and sisters and reflect on the injustices Dr. King fought,” said Reinye Bridges, NAACP LSU chapter president, in the program’s opening. “He did not tolerate segregation or inequality. It is a time to remember his message of change through nonviolence.”
Tia Gipson, overall MLK Commemorative Committee chairwoman, said the diversity of people in attendance impressed her. Greeks and non-Greeks, whites and African Americans, Hispanic and Asian people crammed in the Atchafalaya Room to hear other’s responses to the quotes.
“It was a good mixture of people,” she said. “It shows this is not just an African-American celebration. Tonight was a rededication to honor the things Dr. King talked about and to use it in our everyday lives.”
Angela DiMaggio, Candlelight Vigil and March committee co-chair, said she tried to get as many people as possible to participate in the program.
“I was actually very nervous because this is the beginning of the MLK celebration,” she said. “This sets the tone, and you want it to be a huge success without being too intense. It was a huge collaborative effort.”
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., King’s own fraternity, dressed in dark suits and led the procession.
“Tonight allowed me to live what Dr. King is talking about,” said Orlando Green, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. secretary. “We were holding up the light — that’s what King believed. He was first in service, first in committment and first in his ideals. He used that guiding light to guide others.”
Micolette Thomas, the mistress of ceremonies, presided during the program following the march.
Students performed King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and Dana Williams, an English assistant professor, led a discussion in which students responded to various King quotes.
King’s quote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” sparked touching responses from those gathered.
Alicia Jackson, a pre-med sophomore, said she valued the opportunity for students to participate in the discussion.
“It’s important because it’s a time when everyone can talk,” she said. “We get to voice our opinions and say what’s on our minds.”
Roderick Smothers, Office of Multicultural Affairs director, said he felt the discussion was a valuable opportunity for students to share their perspective and become more educated through others’ opinions.
“For someone who could not have made it [here tonight], the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. is not a one- day thing,” Smothers said. “It’s the way we live our lives. [I hope that people] would make a pledge to implement King’s message for your life.”
Some students said the march moved them emotionally.
“The most powerful moments were the silent moments because it’s in the quiet times that you can hear the voice of Dr. King speaking words of justice and love,” said Brandon Smith, MLK Commemorative Committee member. “It gives you a chance to think about the movement as a whole.”
Ariell Antonio said she attributes the chance to attend LSU to King’s desegregation work.
“I felt like it was my responsibility to come [to the vigil],” Antonio said. “I’m African American, and King did a lot for us. He helped change America through his actions.”
Diette Courrege