Students to March In Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 10, 2018
Students and faculty march in honor of Dr. King in 1980's
By Betsy Hnath
Students on the Old Dominion University campus will gather to march in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
In partnership with the University's NAACP, Office of Intercultural Relations, and other campus organizations, ODU's Nu Theta chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will lead the march, beginning from the Brock Commons, W. 47th St.
The annual celebration reflects on Dr. King's vision: for all humanity to come together, no matter one's creed, ethnicity, or religion and recognize the advancements African-Americans have made since the famous "I Have a Dream Speech" in 1963.
The march will cross Old Dominion's Kaufman Mall, and end at Webb Center, with a reflection service, led by Nu Theta members.
"We are here to celebrate the courageous individuals who made a stand against injustice in the same manner as Dr. King, Jr.," said Kevin Shepard, Jr., president of the Nu Theta chapter.
Also in celebration of Dr. King, ODU senior, Montae Taylor will receive the Rising Community Leader Award at the Urban League of Hampton Roads' breakfast on Jan. 15, in Norfolk.
Criteria for this inaugural, student-based award include: good academic standing along with a demonstrated balance of academic, community, and co-curricular excellence.
Awardees also must have evidence of contribution to the lives of others and support the Urban League's mission to assist African Americans in achieving social justice and economic equality.
"I think Montae will inspire other young people to get involved," said Yvette Young, vice president of Programs and Operations for the Urban League of Hampton Roads. "Montae has served as the president for ODU's chapter of the NAACP, as a tutor in the community and as a leader. He proves that if you see an issue, you can be the changing agent to make things better. As Dr. King said, 'Not everyone can be famous, but everyone can serve.'"
