ParentNET
A slice of campus life written by an MTU student

Many MTU students come from previous schools that did not give special recognition for this day. Many students often ask, “Why celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?” As answered by a representative from the Black Student Association at a University Senate meeting a few years ago, we should take time for celebration and further education of the day because of the life he lived, his strong leadership, and his philosophy of freedom and equality of opportunity for all people. As I also just recently learned, Martin Luther King, Jr. was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He gave his award money back for the civil rights movement. He was also named “Man of the Year” by TIME Magazine in 1963.

Equality of opportunity for all people is something that I have learned that Michigan Tech believes in. Throughout many of my classes, we have addressed the issues and importance of diversity in the classroom, diversity in the work place, and even diversity in the corporate world. Now, more than ever, our students are beginning to realize how important it is to experience different cultures and ways of life.

Looking at this week’s campus activities, Michigan Tech makes it easier to gain these new experiences by offering unique events to attend. During the week, the movie “Remembering JIM CROW” will be played. On Monday, January 16, the “I Have A Dream” Speech will take place in front of the MUB at Noon, followed by a Peace March to the Rozsa Center for hot chocolate and cookies. Then on Tuesday, January 17, memorabilia and other displays will be available for viewing in the MUB Red Metal Room from 10am to 4pm until Wednesday at 4pm. On Wednesday, January 18, the Praise in Effect Gospel Choir will perform at Noon in the MUB Red Metal Room. On Saturday, January 21 the annual Commemorative Banquet for Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held in the MUB Ballroom from 5:30-7:30pm. The banquet will feature soul food (such as pork chops, fried chicken, and greens) and a guest speaker, Jennifer Wallace, from the State of Michigan.

If you or your student are interested in attending the Commemorative Banquet, tickets are $10 for students, $15 for adults, and $25 for couples. Children ages 8 and younger are free. You can call the Educational Opportunity Office at (906) 487-2920 to reserve tickets.

One of the best things about attending different events such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day festivities is that they always bring opportunities to meet new people, and to learn new and valuable things. In order to be a well-rounded student at MTU, it is essential that we all take advantage of the special events that are offered, especially while we are in college.

Until next week,

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