Interdisciplinary studies in social science junior Justin Tinsey braves the cold Monday afternoon to be part of the 28th annual campus march honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The march began at the Union and ended at Beaumont Tower.
More than 40 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. inspired about 250,000 people to march for freedom in Washington, D.C. On Monday, more than 200 people met at the Union to carry on the tradition.
“Martin Luther King Jr. marched for what he believed in,” said Lakeya Omogun, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Activities Board. “To be able to do that 40 years later shows that his legacy really does live on.”
Omogun, an education junior, said the board spent a great deal of time planning and preparing for her second march at MSU.
“Last year, we didn’t advertise enough or encourage enough people to participate,” she said. “This year, we had a much better turnout. It was a lot more engaging.”
Psychology senior Michelle Nickerson bundled up before participating in her first Martin Luther King Jr. march.
“I wanted to walk to take part in the activities and support social justice and civil rights,” Nickerson said.
Omogun, along with several other participants, changed into winter boots before the march began. After marching in heels last year, she didn’t think twice before bringing a change of shoes.
“It’s really cold out, but we marched last year during an ice storm,” she said. “So the weather is actually better this year.”
Students hoisted several banners in honor of King, including one that read “Change is here: Dr. King’s dream realized.”
Social work junior Christina Pippen, a member of the diversity committee of the School of Social Work, and two other students representing the School of Social Work walked with a banner to show their support. About 15 students from the School of Social Work walked behind the banner.
“(The School of Social Work) is involved in a whole day of events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” Pippen said.
The march, which began at 3:15 p.m. Monday, continued to Beaumont Tower, where Lee June, vice president for student affairs and services, made a speech in honor of the holiday.
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