The annual MLK March has been rescheduled for Feb. 18 and will be hosted by the Office of Multicultural Center.
The annual MLK March at Ferris State started in 1987 and has continued for almost four decades to raise awareness about Civil Rights history. The march creates a shared experience that brings a sense of community to campus. Students gain opportunities such as leadership and activism. It is organized and celebrated as part of MLK Week.
This year, the march was originally scheduled for January but was postponed due to a frostbite advisory. Participants will meet in the David L. Eisler Center near the fireplace on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m.
Human resource management sophomore Diana Woods talked about why hosting events like these are crucial for campus connections.
“Black Culture influences everything you see; it’s everywhere, even when people don’t always acknowledge where it comes from,” Woods said.
She explains that the march has always opened the door for students to learn about Black history and bring community to campus. She said we should all come together instead of tearing each other apart.
It’s an important event to her because it’s for a cause that needs to be put in the broad light.
“I would like to see more awareness spread on Black History Month alongside the MLK event,” Woods said.
She explains how she hasn’t noticed many posters up around campus highlighting the month. Woods mentioned how seeing more people get involved and more events held in regard to the celebration, is something she would love to witness on campus.
Criminal justice sophomore Tariayah Martin shared a similar sentiment to Woods. One thing she mentioned was how important it is to highlight this month, especially on a college campus and how we need to connect outside of these celebrations.
“I think it’s especially important at a predominantly white institution,” Martin said. “We should normalize coming together not just during Black History Month.”
She explains that being a part of a minority group can sometimes feel isolating at such a large university, with approximately 10% of the population being African American. She adds that she likes to see community and support alongside her peers.
She wants everyone to come together, not just one singular race.
“I hope the MLK March takes a stance and sheds a light on everything happening with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” Martin said.
Martin holds the belief that all races should be seen and upheld to the same standard as the next. That equality is the key to a better society.
Woods and Martin both have hopes that the march leaves a positive impact and broadens the perspective on matters concerning systemic racism and social justice issues.
For more information regarding the march, you can go to the Office of Multicultural Center website. The March takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. and will start at the David L. Eisler Center fireplace. Ferris hopes students will be there in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month.