“When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the
Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men — yes, Black men as well as white men — would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1963
• • •
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Vincennes University’s Multicultural Department held its
annual MLK Memorial Walk.
On Thursday, students, staff, and locals were invited to VU’s Recreation Center to take part in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King’s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from Dec. 1955 until his
death in April of 1968, helped African Americans achieve genuine progress toward racial
equality in America.
One of King Jr.’s most memorable writings is his “I Have a Dream” speech, which played as
students and staff partook in a walk around the rec center’s track, holding battery-operated
candles.
Ada Hedrick, president of VU’s Black Student Union, called the Legacy Club, was among those
who walked in remembrance of Dr. King.
“I’m really happy that we have this event on campus because it puts it into perspective what my ancestors were doing 60 years ago trying to fight for justice and peace,” she said.
Hedrick emphasized how important representation is for Black students who attend VU.
“There’s not a lot [of representation] for Black students on this campus, so just to come out and
support our Black peers means a lot,” said Hedrick.
International Student Coordinator William Ver Mulm attended the MLK walk for the first time
as VU staff.
“For me, being here means we’re celebrating equality,” said Ver Mulm. “Diversity is common,
and we see that at VU where a lot of people come from different parts of the world.”
Ver Mulm insisted on the importance of being “intentional” in embracing one another’s
differences.
“I’m happy to be with a group of people who want to uplift Dr. King and his mission,” said A.
Tyson Sims, an associate professor of English at VU. “It’s refreshing.”
The MLK walk is held each year to reinforce King’s memory for all students and staff.
“Lest we forget the reasons why Dr. King sort of emerged, and it is particularly important given
our current historical moment,” said Sims.
The importance of Black leadership is “needed more than ever,” Sims continued as he encouraged more students and staff to attend the MLK Memorial Walk next year.
