By YA’LISHA GATEWOOD
GSU Media Bureau
A candlelight celebration at Grambling State University started with “We Shall Overcome” sung by the university’s choir as the audience solemnly added their voices. More than 250 students, faculty and observers lit white candles one by one as they stood, some hanging their heads prayerfully and others with heads raised high to exclaim their joy.
The annual Martin Luther King celebration in the Black and Gold Room of the Favrot Student Union Building was hosted by the Favrot Student Union Board Monday (Jan. 16). On a dreary night, scores joined together to observe what would have been King’s 88th birthday and to honor his legacy. After blowing out their candles, the audience bowed their heads and held hands as the Rev. Lance Wright, director of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries, led an invocation.
There was an unusual twist when it was time to introduce the keynote speaker. Jimmitriv Roberson, 20, of Arcadia, Louisiana, introduced Louisiana State Rep. Patrick O. Jefferson, her cousin. Jefferson, whose state house District 11 includes Bienville, Union and Lincoln parishes, decided to bring a message of hope, talking about the exit of President Barack Obama, King and what people can do to live out his desires and how faith can carry us through. During an interview, he said though some African Americans are saddened that Donald J. Trump as the U.S. president-elect, we have a choice. “Most of us are so filled with angst and brooding over the election, and this week as you may have seen on Facebook some are saying ‘Don’t cry because he’s leaving, smile because he had the opportunity.”
At one point during his speech, Jefferson implored the audience to be hopeful no matter what they might think about the nation’s leadership, to be hopeful and to live their lives. Quoting from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Jefferson said “Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of hope that the present has brought us. Grambling State University, our inspiring president, Richard J. Gallot, ladies and gentlemen, sing your song.”
He went on to say that despite so many bad things happening in the world, “The only hope we have is in Christ Jesus.”
Jefferson received a standing ovation. Jamie Wilson, xx, an early childhood education major, said “I feel that today’s event was very inspiring.”
Astra Watts, Miss Grambling State University, said she appreciated hearing Jefferson talk about how King led a life full of service. She said GSU students should do what Jefferson suggested, “to follow your purpose and to always be a leader in your community.”
GSU President Rick Gallot thanked Jefferson, his friend, for such an inspirational message. He said King made so many things possible, things that we enjoy today. “Service to humanity was a cornerstone to many things that Dr. King did. It’s not enough just to have personal achievements, but what are you doing with those gifts and talents that you have to help someone else. I think that’s something students should’ve been able to take away from the program tonight.”
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