Nearly half a century ago, the United States of America wasn't united at all. Our country was divided; separated by race, the color of a person's skin determined their place in society. Unfortunately for African Americans, this racial hierarchy placed us at the bottom society. We were beaten, degraded, mocked, criticized, and ostrisized. We were made out to be less than human and couldn't even drink out the same water fountains or eat in the same restaurants as Whites. As Oppression increased, the oppressed banded together and the Civil Rights Movement was born. One of the forerunners and father of the Civil Rights Movement was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King was seen as a hero and was even a recipent of the Nobel Peace Price for his non-violent tactics in order to attain equality. Dr. King was a martyr, and dreamed of a day when Blacks and Whites would be equal. That day shows great promise as this country is becoming less segregated and more of a color blind society. We are not fully there yet, but hopefully in the days to come, his dream will be fulfilled.
The campus of Hampton University takes pride in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day and will have ceremonies in honor of Dr. King. The Office of Student Activities and Pan-Hellenic Council will sponsor the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March at 11 a.m., Jan. 16 beginning at the campus’ Emancipation Oak on Emancipation Drive and ending at Ogden Hall. A celebratory program will immediately follow the march at 11:30 a.m. in Ogden Hall that will feature spoken word, musical selections, and reflections from Hampton University students, as well as students in the Hampton Public School System. The HU Music Department will also hold its annual MLK Freedom Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Ogden Hall, featuring the HU Concert Choir.
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