By Faith Jarrell
Student Life Editor
On Monday, Jan. 15, Washington College hosted a series of events starting at 8 a.m. in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This included a march from Fountain Park in Chestertown to the WC campus in honor of the late Civil Rights figure, a free breakfast for any volunteers, and a program held in Decker Theater at 10 a.m.
During the program held in Decker Theater, there were multiple musical performances as well as speakers, readings, and more. The opening performance was led by community member Amiya Potts and the New Life Community United Methodist Church. Following this opening and a welcome by members of the WC community, there was a proclamation by the MLK Joint Committee. The H.H. Garnet Elementary School Bucket Band then performed their alma mater succeeded by a reading from Bishop Charles Tilghman from the Kent County NAACP. A musical performance by community member Ty Bolden preceded a conversation of MLK Jr’s legacy which led into a presentation, a keynote address by community member Jermichael Mitchell, a performance by the MLK Steppers, and a closing remark.
The MLK Joint Committee, who gave the proclamation at the beginning of the program is made up by multiple organizations within Kent County, including the Minary’s Dream Alliance, Incorporated, the Chester Valley Ministers Association, Washington College, the CV Starr Center, the Kent County NAACP, and the Kent County department of Parks and Recreation.
The celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. held in Chestertown and throughout campus is an annual observance sponsored by WC, including student volunteers.
Photo courtesy of Student Engagement
Photo caption: The above poster was sent out in December 2023 by Student Engagement in order to advertise the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration as well as find volunteers for the events.