VSU honors Dr. King with march and community service
Published 7:00 am Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Participants complete the final stretch of the march as they cross through Valdosta State University's campus to take part in a follow-up service.
Participants walk through the streets near Valdosta State University,
Members of the Mu Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly hold their fraternity banner as they prepare to lead the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day march at Valdosta State University.
VALDOSTA — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy were honored Monday at Valdosta State University with a march, a community service initiative, and a celebration of his enduring impact.
The Mu Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. works closely with the university, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Student University Center to organize and support the march each year. The event brought together students and community members to reflect on the strides made during the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing commitment to King’s vision of equality and justice.
The day began with a commemorative march led by the fraternity, starting at the University Center fountain. Participants walked in solidarity to the Student Union steps before attending a program in the Student Union Ballroom. The program featured keynote speakers Adrian Rivers, outreach representative for the Office of Senator Raphael Warnock, and Jayden Williams, former president of the Georgia Youth and College division of the NAACP.
“This is our 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of March,” said Jaylin Williams, president of the Mu Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “We do it to remember this day and all the days and marches where Martin Luther King and his compatriots stood together and walked together so that we could change the country for the better.”
The celebration extended beyond the march, offering additional opportunities for those wanting to make a difference. These included a blood drive with OneBlood and Be Red Cross Ready emergency preparedness training with the American Red Cross.
When asked about the message of the march, Williams emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts: “Even though those strides were made many years ago, we are still striving to continue on that legacy, and remember what he did, and make sure that we are still moving forward to better the lives of everyone in the country.”
The fraternity ensured a strong turnout through social media campaigns and personal invitations, highlighting their dedication to engaging the campus and the broader community.