Honoring a Legacy

The Washington and Lee University community this year enjoyed a series of events to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The events, which were planned by the Office of Inclusion and Engagement, included lectures and discussions, a basketball tournament, a tea ceremony and a children’s party.

Our celebration kicked off on Jan. 15 with a creative showcase called “Four Movements Toward Freedom.” The hour-long program included theater, music, spoken word and visual arts. Here, Iman Messado ’19 gives a historical reading.

The SABU basketball tournament on Jan. 20 allowed students to have fun and raise money in honor of Dr. King. Participants included W&L undergraduate and law students, faculty and staff. The event was open to the entire community.

The tournament, which is organized by the Student Association for Black Unity, is entirely student-planned and student-run.

All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Buena Vista nonprofit Saturday’s Child, an education and enrichment program for kids.

On Jan. 21, many W&L students, faculty and staff marched in the 3rd-Annual Community Anti-Racism Effort (CARE) Martin Luther King Jr. Community Parade.

Parade marshals included W&L’s very own Rossella Gabriele ’19 and Joelle Simeu ’20, pictured here with Muskaan Soni ’19.

The Children’s Birthday Party for Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 21 included fun activities for kids, such as face painting and coloring.

Three seatings were held for the MLK tea ceremony in the Senshin’an Tea Room at Watson Pavilion on Jan. 21

The School of Law’s MLK Day speaker was Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Michael Hill, professor of Africana studies, addressed the crowd during the "Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr." dinner on Jan. 23.

MLK Service Day, on Saturday, Jan. 26, saw Washington and Lee students fan out into the community to volunteer at such nonprofits as the Rockbridge Area Relief Association. Here, students work in the RARA food pantry.

The grand finale was the MLK Commemorative Event, "Dr. King's Vision: Humanity Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny." The event was emceed by J'ontae Smith '19 and Noriya Shahadat '21L and included student dance and vocal performances.

The keynote speaker for the event, the Rev. Dr. William Barber, delivered a rousing address.

Photos contributed by Mary Wilson Grist '22, Maya Lora '20 and Frances Conner '20

Appreciate

Honoring a Legacy

Report Abuse