WILMINGTON — Wilmington College’s annual community program honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will feature music and a message Monday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hugh G. Heiland Theatre.
Rather than having a keynote speaker, this year’s MLK event will include several of brief reflections from College students and staff members, along with a period of reflective silence, led by campus minister Nancy McCormick, designed to facilitate spontaneous reflection from audience members moved to share thoughts about MLK’s legacy.
Wilmington College is embracing the national holiday theme, “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” by sending students, faculty and staff for voluntary service at Sugartree Ministries earlier in the day.
Music will continue as a major component of the program as the Wilmington College Chorale will join the Legacy Troupe and Bible Missionary Baptist Church’s choir and praise team with musical selections. Jayson Ameer Rasheed, Class of 2000 and WC’s director of athletics communication, will provide a personal reflection.
Also, Ursula McTaggert, associate professor of English, will announce winners of the MLK Day Essay Contest from both the College and Clinton County schools, in addition to revealing this year’s recipient of the Nedra Gordon Scholarship.
Phillip Turner, pastor at Quinn Chapel AME, will give the invocation and WC junior Brandi James will lead the audience in singing the traditional spiritual, “We Shall Overcome.”
Additionally on the program, WC President Jim Reynolds will offer remarks with Sigrid Solomon, vice president for student affairs, providing a welcome. Tanya Maus, director of the Peace Resource Center, will give an overview of Kingian Nonviolence, a nonviolent strategy used by MLK to effect change, and Chip Murdock, director of multicultural affairs, will share closing remarks.
The event is free of charge and open to the public. Refreshments catered by Sodexo Campus Services and Rachel’s House of Catering will be available in the lobby following the program.
