MLK March and Brunch

A large crowd of Ohio University students, faculty, staff and community members took part in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebratory Brunch and Silent March on Saturday, Jan. 22. Both events were originally scheduled for Monday, Jan. 17, but had to be rescheduled due to the weather.

Sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Silent March began at Galbreath Chapel and continued across the College Green, ending at the Baker University Center.

The Celebratory Brunch, coordinated by the MLK Jr. Celebration Planning Committee, featured outstanding performances by vocalist Keilah Causey and dancer Ania Fuller, remarks from several OHIO speakers, and an inspiring keynote address by Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq.

"Ohio University, what happens to a dream deferred?" Russell-McCloud asked in her presentation. Throughout her lively speech, Russell-McCloud touched often on the week’s theme of "UNITY, CommUNITY and OpportUNITY."

She also urged those in attendance to not settle for the status quo and to continue to fight against racism and oppression.

"The right to vote, Ohio University, is sacred," she said, discussing the need to preserve and strengthen voting rights in America. Russell-McCloud also focused on Dr. King’s mission and message of non-violence and the need to continue to push for positive change.

"In the word impossible, we find I’m possible," Russell-McCloud said.