Salve Celebrates the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By: Emily Sirois
Posted In: News

Students at Salve Regina University shared how the words and actions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have inspired their lives through memoirs, inspirational quotes and songs during the Martin Luther King Celebration held on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Ochre Court.

The evening began with an introduction by campus minister Jose Del Val, who said that “it is so important to celebrate King’s life…because it is America’s celebration.” Salve President Sister Therese Antone then gave her opening remarks, where she reflected on Dr. King and some of his words of wisdom about education.

The evening continued with some inspirational quotes of Dr. King’s, such as “Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere,” and “Darkness can’t drive out darkness, only light can.”

Following this, students gave short speeches about how Dr. King has influenced their lives. Sophomore Maria Morrissey spoke about how her volunteer work at the Mustard Seed soup kitchen in Worchester, Mass., has helped her realize the ideals that King spoke about in many of his speeches. She also takes to heart many of the words of Dr. King about equality, especially since “the ethnicity in my neighborhood at home is very organizational.”

The evening also included selections by the University Chorus and the Madrigals, which were led by Donald St. Jean, a re-enactment of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Maryssa Bradley and Ryan DeWolfe on the piano.

Other events throughout Black History Month that will be held at Salve include a free “Concert of Spirituals” on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. in Ochre Court, which will feature the Community Baptist Choir and a free lecture and book discussion on Toni Morrison’s “Jazz,” which will be held on Feb. 25 from 7-9 p.m. in the special collections room of McKillop Library.

There will also be a day-long series of events celebrating the Harlem Renaissance on Feb. 28 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., which will be held at the Young building, finally LeRoy White will give a free concert on March 1 at 2 p.m. in the O’Hare Auditorium to end the celebrations.

For more information about these events, please contact Matt Boxler in the Public Affairs Office at ext. 2156 or boxlerm@salve.edu.