A chill breeze glided through the night air as hundreds of people injected warm remembrances of Martin Luther King Jr.
Candlelit faces gleamed brightly as the cumulative voices of groups and organizations such as Black Student Alliance, Alpha Phi Alpha and the Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered and Straight Ally Students penetrated the darkness with laughter and songs of freedom and equality such as "We Shall Overcome" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
As students poured in from three march starting points, they firmly grasped onto lights swaying them proudly in the air in what seemed to be an endless band of unity.
Officials led the procession of about 300 gatherers to the intersection of Shaw and Farm lanes. The students then marched into the Auditorium where groups displayed banners atop the building's balcony.
"The march is a connection with the past civil rights movements," Provost Lou Anna Simon said. "Students from all walks of life can make a statement on the impact of King and the important role he played in the civil rights movement."
Counseling psychology graduate student Elif Celebi said the march was relevant to the struggles of all cultures and people today, especially those within the international community.
"Martin Luther King Jr.'s causes and rights includes all people, including those in the international communities," she said. "Coming to this march allows me to share in the spirit and remembrance of King and all he has done."
Paulette Granberry Russell, senior adviser to MSU President M. Peter McPherson for diversity, said the march represents the desire to achieve equality and justice for all people.
"The march is symbolic of one's commitment to issues," she said. "By participating, it shows that we can step outside of our comfort zones and participate in the march despite cold temperatures."
Russell says strides have been made toward equality and justice, but much work still needs to be done.
"It's not tomorrow. Tomorrow is today. Whether it is on campus, state or world, we all must be active participants, rather than just sitting on the sidelines," she said.
Celebrating King's legacy is important for all people, not just minorities, Rather Hall Black Caucus President Larhonda Jacobs said.
"While he was alive, King worked hard to fight for the rights of blacks and all minorities," she said. "It's important to acknowledge that without him we would not be where we are today."
East Lansing resident Anabel Dwyer said she was in attendance not only to support King's legacy, but to stand out against the conflict with Iraq.
"I'm out to end the struggle against war, poverty and racism," she said. "War cannot solve problems. We must use peace, and figure out better ways of doing things than killing each other."
Dwyer, whose protesting credits include demonstrations against racism, the Vietnam War, Reaganomics and the Gulf War in 1991, said her inspiration for activism came in the early 1960s.
"I heard Malcolm X speak in 1961 when I was a student at Wellesley College," she said. "He was the most inspiring speaker of our time."
Staff writer Aaron Foley contributed to this report.
Chrystal Griffin can be reached at griff242@msu.edu.
