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(Grand Rapids, Mich.) – Known for its commitment to diversity, Aquinas College recognizes
and honors those who have paved the way to a just, more peaceful society. Continuing
this tradition, the College will be hosting two events to commemorate Martin Luther
King Jr. Day on January 20, 2014.
At 3:05 p.m., Aquinas College students, faculty, and staff members will participate in an on-campus “MLK Commemorative March,” honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and those who have worked to advance social justice. The event will be hosted by the Center for Diversity & Inclusion at Aquinas, Campus Ministry, Aquinas Residence Life, and student organizations VIBE (Voices Inspiring Black Students Everywhere) and S.A.C. (Aquinas Social Action Committee). The march will seek to honor widespread sacrifices and contributions made towards human freedom and equality regarding race, gender, and religion.
In addition, an annual blood drive is being held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Aquinas Wege Center Ballroom. The drive is coordinated by Aquinas Service Learning, in collaboration with the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and Michigan Blood.
Latoya Booker, director of the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, described what effect she hopes the event will have within the campus community. “Everyone should take time to recognize the efforts of Martin Luther King Jr.,” she said, “and the amazing transitions that happened because of those who were involved with the Civil Rights Movement. To do a march on campus, to honor and commemorate the legacy of MLK and others, who truly fought with every sense of their being for equality and justice for all - I think it is extremely important. My hope is that people will have a desire to participate, regardless of what major they might be or what role they may play on campus."
“At the same time, it helps us to recognize that there are injustices still today. We should take time out of one day to honor those who have sacrificed, to do some reflection on it and be inspired by that legacy to a place of action, to further the fight on those issues beyond the 30-minute time slot of the march.”
At 3:05 p.m., Aquinas College students, faculty, and staff members will participate in an on-campus “MLK Commemorative March,” honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and those who have worked to advance social justice. The event will be hosted by the Center for Diversity & Inclusion at Aquinas, Campus Ministry, Aquinas Residence Life, and student organizations VIBE (Voices Inspiring Black Students Everywhere) and S.A.C. (Aquinas Social Action Committee). The march will seek to honor widespread sacrifices and contributions made towards human freedom and equality regarding race, gender, and religion.
In addition, an annual blood drive is being held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Aquinas Wege Center Ballroom. The drive is coordinated by Aquinas Service Learning, in collaboration with the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and Michigan Blood.
Latoya Booker, director of the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, described what effect she hopes the event will have within the campus community. “Everyone should take time to recognize the efforts of Martin Luther King Jr.,” she said, “and the amazing transitions that happened because of those who were involved with the Civil Rights Movement. To do a march on campus, to honor and commemorate the legacy of MLK and others, who truly fought with every sense of their being for equality and justice for all - I think it is extremely important. My hope is that people will have a desire to participate, regardless of what major they might be or what role they may play on campus."
“At the same time, it helps us to recognize that there are injustices still today. We should take time out of one day to honor those who have sacrificed, to do some reflection on it and be inspired by that legacy to a place of action, to further the fight on those issues beyond the 30-minute time slot of the march.”