People from FMU, the Florence community and even the South Carolina State House gathered for FMU’s 25th annual celebration of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. in the Chapman Auditorium in the McNair Science Building on Jan. 11.
The event had many speakers, ranging from members of FMU’s Student Government Association (SGA), National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities, and Senator Mia S. McLeod of South Carolina’s 22nd district.
SGA president Devan Campbell opened the event by addressing the audience and providing the agenda for the evening. During his opening remarks, Campbell referenced King’s mission.
“It is important that we continue to acknowledge the validity of not only maintaining a dream of civility but also championing the rights of others who also have the same dream,” Campbell said.
Following Campbell, Alexander Vereen and Jasmine Myers of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority led the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” more commonly known as the “Black National Anthem.”
Afterward, Johnathan Keller, a member of the Campus Activities Board, led the audience in prayer, followed by a combined musical selection and art showcase by Jocelyn Franks, who was crowned Miss FMU 2023, and Allison Ziegenfelder. On the left side of center stage, Franks took to the mic and performed “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. Beside Franks, Ziegenfelder painted on a canvas resting on an easel. Once the song ended, Ziegenfelder turned the painting upside down, revealing a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr.
Sylvester Rush, president of FMU’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter, then gave a speech about the life of King. Rush’s speech detailed King’s many accomplishments and his work during the civil rights movement. Rush highlighted King’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” along with the historic marches from Selma to Montgomery that King led.
“Dr. King dreamed that each of you present tonight can run with his vision and bring forth equality for all mankind,” Rush said.
Once Rush’s speech concluded, FMU’s Young Gifted and Blessed Gospel Choir performed “We Shall Overcome,” a song that has been heavily associated with the civil rights movement.
Tai’Jea Davis, president of FMU’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter, introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, State Senator Mia S. McLeod.
McLeod has made history as the first African American woman to run for governor of the state of South Carolina and she and her “Sister Senators” became the 2023 recipients of the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile and Courage Award.
Senator Mcleod opened her speech by saying how much King’s work and words inspired her, describing King as a man of “courage, principled leadership and selfless service.”
“[King] was a true servant leader, strong in his faith, principled in his convictions, aspirational in his vision and candid and truthful in his communications,” McLeod said. “He served others every day of his adult life and was committed to ensuring that this country would one day truly be one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Les Echols of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer of FMU’s SGA Ryan Dixon concluded the event with their respective closing remarks and benediction.