Last Monday, Capital University hosted its 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning. The day began with the Capital community as well
as the local community proceeding to Mees Hall in the Conservatory of Music where opening remarks were given by Student Government President Brent Bowers, University President Dr. Denvy Bowman, Executive Director of University Programming Josh Doran, and Columbus City Councilmember Pricilla R. Tyson. Following the opening remarks were musical selections conducted and performed by the Chapel Choir.
Then, Ebony Brotherhood Association then introduced the keynote speaker – The Executive Director of Lott Carey International, Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley. In his keynote address, Dr. Goatley emphasized the importance of looking to help other people to be the main basis of one’s life. Rather than focusing on material and financial gain as well as recognition for one’s works, Goatley stressed that one needs to focus on impacting and improving as many lives as possible.
Following the Keynote address there were ten workshops to encourage learning and increased understanding of human rights.
The individual workshops dealt with such subjects as refugee rights, cultural differences, the Islamic faith, understanding homelessness, domestic violence, the LGBT community, building community through music, recent voting rights restrictions within certain states, barriers within chool systems, and the Dream Act and immigrant rights in the United States.
After the workshops, Capital Students and people within the community were invited to the Campus Center to enjoy a luncheon as well as the performance of Jazz Musicians Gene Walker, Bobby Floyd, Reggie Jackson and Rob Parton. After that, there were numerous events that people could attend to further the work of Dr. King.
The Kids Korner allowed kids from local school districts to read and color with Capital students. The Schumacher Gallery featured works of art pertaining to the endangered species of America.
The admissions office offered campus tours, while students were able to participate in a campus wide service project for raising disaster relief kits, as well as a canned food collection and a Mass Choir.
