Eastern Illinois University staff and students had several opportunities to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy because of the office of belonging, access and engagement’s planning on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The day began with the first inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day community breakfast in the Grand Ballroom with the doors opening at 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast was served until 9 a.m. which would be the start of the panel discussion with staff members from EIU to explore how to make EIU more inclusive and equitable in the future, followed by a service opportunity was given for those who wished to participate.
In the University Ballroom, there was blanket making that took place in two sessions. The first one being from 10:30am- 11:30am and the second one from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Throughout both sessions, the presidential inauguration was playing in the background.
The blankets made at the event are to be donated to One Stop Community Christmas in Mattoon, an organization that provides help to families during the holiday season.
Christopher Short, a senior physical education major and vice president of Iota Phi Theta, attended the blanket making event where he said he was able to help those in need and honor Dr. King’s legacy.
“This effort allowed us to embody Dr. King’s spirit of giving back to the community and supporting those in need,” Short said. “By contributing to a cause that brings warmth and comfort to others, I feel I upheld his teachings on service, compassion and unity.”
He also said he felt like he gained a deeper sense of community and the importance of helping others.
“Working alongside other students to create blankets reminded me of how impactful small acts of kindness can be when we come together for a shared purpose,” he said.
The Zeta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha planned to hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day candlelight vigil and celebration, but both were canceled due to frigid weather.
The celebration continued in the Grand Ballroom at 4 p.m. where numerous registered student organizations performed through dance, music and speech including the prestigious Pantherettes, the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and Jahlani Grant of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
The celebration was used as an opportunity to honor one student and one faculty member with the Annie C. Singleton award and the Alpha Image award.
The Annie C. Singleton award, named after the mother of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and given to a student who exemplifies leadership through campus and community involvement, was given to Angeliyah Jenkins.
The Alpha Image award, given to faculty member in appreciation for outstanding service and leadership, was given to Maggie Burkhead.
Tyrese Brownlee, chairman of the event, said it was rewarding seeing everything come together after how much work and planning was involved.
“Being the chairman for this event was a challenging yet fulfilling experience,” Brownlee said. “The process required a lot of organization, communication and teamwork to ensure the event ran smoothly.”
Christina Holman can be reached at 581-2812 or at clhoman@eiu.edu.
