Hundreds of people filled the Hitchcock Hall auditorium yesterday for a night of music, inspiration and reflection during Ohio State’s 35th anniversary celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In addition to the singing of The Black National Anthem, the event also showcased the academic achievements of local area high school students.
The speaker for the evening was Yolanda King, Dr. King’s first-born born daughter and CEO of Higher Ground Production.
Her purpose was to motivate individuals to stand up and make a change for their own lives as well as the community.
According to a brochure given out at the program, King has participated in numerous civil rights demonstrations and has spoken to many groups about growth and community change.
“We need to examine our own prejudice and be the change we want to see in our own lives,” King said.
She said many people in today’s generation have forgotten the purpose of the Civil Right’s movement, and that purpose was to ensure equality among all people.
“Through the leadership of my father, we were motivated to do something but for many of us today, civil rights (seems) like ancient history,” she said.
Keeping to the theme, “Crossroads to Courage,” King encouraged audience members to use the power of choice, “get up off our apathy” and motivate themselves to make a change.
“Today we can have the same power that we held years ago if we choose it; and choose it we must,” she said.
Jenell Moore, a sophomore in interior design, said this program is not just about remembering King’s dream but also continuing his legacy.
“Although we’ve already done so much, there’s still so much more we can do; this whole thing is about unity,” she said.
Larry Williams, director of the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, also affirmed the importance of remembering and celebrating King’s dream.
“We have to have programs like these, they re-energize people. It’s almost like a New Year’s resolution when you (make a commitment) to do something these programs help you remember to fulfill those things,” he said.
Lisa Scott can be reached for comment [email protected].
