Mustangs celebrate unity, diversity
The Boulevard turned solemn at noon Wednesday when approximately60 students, staff and faculty members walked arm in arm quietlysinging the words “we shall overcome someday.”
The Unity Walk began at the south end of the Boulevard andheaded to Dallas Hall, finishing in the Hughes-Trigg Commons wherethe community heard speakers including President R. Gerald Turnerand Student Body President Thomas Kincaid.
The MLK Unity Walk was the second event of MLK Week 2004,sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs.
Turner spoke of Dr. Martin Luther King who visited SMU in 1966,two years before his death.
Turner quoted the words that King said at SMU in 1966.
“Somewhere we must come to see that human progress neverrolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through thetireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individualswho are willing to be co-workers with God.”
Turner explained how these words are still worthconsidering.
Turner encouraged individuals to “fight by reason andfaith to bring out the best of humanity.”
Kincaid spoke of unity and the bright light of possibilities forthe SMU community.
“Our movement for unity today is not truly a movement tochange principles, but a movement to enact the reality we haveenvisioned and dreamed of, and that we know we are capableof.”
Kincaid reminded the audience of the many who have worked likeKing to create a diverse and accepting people. He challengedeveryone to keep King’s vision because hatred is workingagainst us.
“It isn’t going to be automatic. We must fight forour dream. Fight,” Kincaid said.
Joseph Thomas, member of the MLK Committee, asked the communityto reflect on what is behind us but to keep looking forward.
“Step outside of your box. Do things that you don’tusually do,” Thomas said.
He asked attendees to be more diverse with those they spend timewith, instead of always staying with those like them.
T.K. Stillman sang, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” toclose the event.
The diverse SMU community that attended responded positively tothe Unity Walk.
“It surprised me that it was not just the blackcommunity,” sophomore Krysta Patterson said. “I believethat MLK’s dream has come true. Now we are coming togethernot just blacks, but together, to celebrate.”
Upcoming events
• Thursday: MLK Film Night at 6:30 p.m. in the Hughes-TriggTheater including a film and discussion of King and civilrights
• Friday: Candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at the flag polefollowed by an MLK birthday celebration in the Hughes-TriggVarsity.
• Sunday: A spirit-filled worship service at 6 p.m. in theHughes-Trigg Theater organized by the SMU Wesley Foundation.
