Jan. 20—Oklahoma State University hosted its 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Thursday in the OSU Student Union Theater. Students, staff and community members gathered to honor King and his dream for equality within society.
OSU students, administrators and organizations took part in the event, beginning with a welcome speech from Jillian McGee, coordinator of marketing strategy and brand management and co-chair of the MLK celebration committee.
This is McGee's second year as co-chair, and she said she takes part in the committee for her son, who she was holding close to her while on stage. McGee got emotional when speaking about her son, saying "I want him to look around the room and see people who look like him and know that he is welcomed."
After McGee's speech, the men of the Epsilon Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. performed a tribute stroll.
Five men of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity lined up in formation on the stage while the screen behind them played a video of King giving one of his speeches. The men performed a choreographed dance to the video, and a few of them gave speeches in the middle of the routine.
Alpha Phi Alpha was the first Black Greek letter fraternity, and many pivotal men in history were a part of the organization — including Duke Ellington, John H. Johnson, Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alpha Phi Alpha was also the first Black organization on OSU's campus, in which the members encourage each other to be leaders, academically inclined and service oriented, traits similar to that of fraternity brother King.
OSU senior and Black Student Association member Chauntal Dudley spoke after the tribute stroll. Dudley was supposed to speak at the OSU Unity Walk honoring MLK, but the Monday event was canceled because of inclement weather.
Dudley said the most important lesson she learned from King's life was to love others.
"He believed in the power of love," Dudley said. "He taught us to love others and not hate because love always wins. ... Dr. King, like millions of Black people in the world, experienced prejudice, the brutality of violence and hatred, yet he still managed to speak words that were filled with compassion, kindness and love."
Dudley ended her speech with a challenge for students, faculty and community members. Dudley encouraged others to reach out to Black organizations, attend meetings and get to know how the organizations are impacting the campus and community.
"We cannot simply focus on the good that he did and that has come from his bravery. We must also take into consideration why it was necessary that he speak on inequality, that he orchestrated marches, speeches and protests in the name of racism," Dudley said. "Racism and inequality is alive and thriving in our world. Our work is not finished. We must work together, side by side, to seek progression."