The Eta Gamma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted its 20th annual MLK walk Monday, Jan. 21. The walk, coordinated by senior accounting major Jemiah Richards, was held in remembrance of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Approximately 150 students walked through the wind and rain around the campus to support the advancements attributed to civil rights leaders.
“I feel like we encouraged students to improve themselves and the surrounding community,” Richards said.
Mayor Frank Jackson and city councilman Simmon Queen spoke at the event, encouraging students to get involved in the local community and vote in the upcoming elections. Both highlighted the progress of local current events.
Student Government President Andre Evans and Chapter President Mark Anthony Williams II also spoke at the event. Evans’ primary focus was the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s achievements, the passion King implanted in all of his work, and the martyr-like characteristics that he possessed.
“This is not a day to join the fad. This is a chance to commemorate a great man, a martyr,” Evans said.
In addition, Evans challenged students to take up more leadership roles on campus and work together to set and meet goals.
“Collective leadership is needed to achieve the things we want and need to achieve,” Evans said.
Williams’ speech was centered on convincing students to contribute to the local community by voting in the upcoming elections.
“Our primary goal, as a chapter, is to encourage voting. People aren’t fired up enough about voting,” Williams said. “Martin Luther King Day is one of the best days to promote voting because of the struggles activists went through to obtain our right to vote,” Williams explained.
The Alphas plan to use the success of the event and its supporters to push students toward a new way of thinking.
“We are trying to encourage students to use their ability to think, not regurgitate facts and figures,” Williams said. “We want students to lean on their own understanding, and that begins with a vote. If only half of the 8,000 students we have voted, we could really get something done.” Beginning Feb. 4, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. plans to continue to encourage voting by hosting a voters’ registration booth every Wednesday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the first floor of the MSC.