GSU president alludes to Trump, saying we need more presidential comments to encourage hope
By MINIYA SHABAZZ
GSU Media Bureau
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot used an opportunity to talk about the virtues of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to weigh in on politics and to urge taking some different approaches to be successful.
During Louisiana Tech University’s 14th annual ecumenical observance at the Ruston Civic Center Monday (Jan. 16), Gallot said he would aim to be “presidential” as he thinks all presidents, and presidents-elect, should be, realizing that anything a president might say could have consequences.
“I think a president should never intentionally say, speak…or tweet any public statement that would in any way reflect anything but positive on those being served…or soon to be served,” said the GSU president. Referencing President-elect Donald Trump without mentioning him by name, Gallot indicated that he thinks Trump has been tweeting negatively rather than encouraging the nation with positive comments. He said King was always a “beacon for hope,” for all Americans but especially African Americans as he fought against injustices and for civil rights.
“His philosophy of nonviolent direct action, and his strategies for rational and non-destructive social change, galvanized the conscience of this nation and reordered its priorities,” said Gallot, ensuring that his audience understood that King was devoted to change in this world so that it would be better than he and others found it.
Organized by Tech’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, attendees included Ruston and Grambling residents, LA Tech and GSU students and others. Tech’s Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and other associations and groups assisted with the event, which was well received.
“As President Gallot said, we have to use our ideas, skills, and talents to go out and make a difference. I see MLK Day as a renewal every year to get people together and challenge one another,” said Jim King, 54, vice president of student advancement at Louisiana Tech.
Siana Shepherd, 22, vice president of Tech’s Black Student Union at Louisiana Tech, said she joined her organization to give back to her community and to unite with her own people because she attends a predominately white institution. Earlier in the day, Shepherd and colleague BSU members volunteered at an event for the National Society of Black Engineers, passing out education packets to help high school students think about higher education.
“Martin Luther King means hope for me,” said Shepherd. “He means empowerment and having that one person who can speak out. We need to carry on the legacy of all the African Americans that came before us and paved the way for African Americans to (be allowed) to go to Tech. It’s my obligation to make sure that their legacy carries on.”
Devonia Love-Vaughn, coordinator of multicultural affairs at Louisiana Tech, said Monday’s event was about service and community contributions on the day that recognized King’s birthday.
“It’s a day to remember what he stood for and what he was fighting for and to let us know that you don’t have to have great celebrity or have a lot of power to serve,” she said.
She strives to remind herself, and others, about the importance of serving every day when she she sends emails. Rather than end emails with “sincerely” or “with love,” she writes “in service.” — “because each day that we are doing something for someone else we are doing a service.”
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gramblingstateuniv/albums/72157677853052900
(photos by Brandon LaGarde/GSU Media Bureau)
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