Lee University campus recognizes lasting legacy of MLK

Photo by Senior Photographer Morgan Kiehl.

Lee University enters a week celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. as the campus hosts events to honor the works of the late Civil Rights activist. 

King was a Baptist minister and activist during the Civil Rights Era who fought against the ideas of segregationists and peacefully protested the mistreatment of colored Americans in an era when violence was shaking the nation. Despite his assassination in 1968, King remains one of the most revered figures in American history for his achievements. 

“Martin Luther King Jr. provided the way for us. He told us what to do. He gave us the steps,” said Lindsney Ross, President of Lee Univeristy’s Black Student Union. “There's always more we can learn about him that we can apply to our lives right now.”

Unlike many institutions, Lee University does not cancel classes on MLK Day.

“[Rest] is not the point of MLK Jr. day,” said Gloria Scott Richmond, the Director of Racial and Ethnic Relations. “It is time for a day on, not a day off. The King family’s desire for this federal holiday is for families and communities to serve together.”

Lee University honors King by hosting various events centered around the message of unity that he preached. This year, the theme centers around the idea of simple dreams in a complex world across different viewpoints in reference to King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Beginning on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lee partnered up with the local community for a mile long walk and sermon that started the week off. Lee has held many panels and events since, including a lecture with Dr. Preston Williams, a Lee alumnus and pastor. 

A lunch with local business owners will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18. On Thursday, Jan. 19, the Table of Brotherhood will be a themed chapel at 10:30 a.m. and Evening Conversations with Clevelanders will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker Lecture Hall with people sharing their stories of life before and after desegregation. Friday concludes the week with “Songs and Stories,” a sing-along tribute at 7 p.m. at the Stone Chapel. 

Lee University works to embed Martin Luther King’s values into campus as he represents unity among children of God.

“Representation matters. On our campus, we need to ensure that not only there’s a place for all students physically but also that they feel like all students can be comfortable on campus as well,” said Dr. Kevin Ung, director of the McNair Scholars Program.

Martin Luther King Jr. is seen as an inspiration in history and is still impacting today’s youth.

“We have to be able to learn from both the future generation going ahead of us, while also taking in the wisdom of previous generations as well,” said Megan Allen, coordinator of Discipleship Ministries.  

For more information on Lee University and MLK Week events, click here