The event, which was hosted by the MLK Day planning committee and the MSU Divine Nine National Pan-Hellenic Council, was held to honor the tireless work of the civil rights legend. Many student organizations such as On The Rise and the MSU National Society of Black Engineers participated in the march.

King's dedication to civil rights continues to be a top priority for the students who planned the event and continue similar work on campus, like economics junior Kaden Johnson, co-chair of the MLK Day planning committee and vice president of Rising Black Men.

"The march not only showcases the fighting experience and unity of the student body, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of standing together in solidarity," Johnson said.

For Johnson, the highlight of the day was seeing everyone who attended the march, including university leadership like MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz.

"At Michigan State, we’re proud to honor the principles Dr. King stood for," Guskiewicz said. "His broader vision of inclusion is so important for our Spartan community to feel seen, valued and respected."

MSU welcomed King to campus on Feb. 11, 1965, when he spoke to a room filled with more than 4,000 students and residents to kick off the university’s fundraising drive for the All University Student Government-sponsored Student Education Program, or STEP program.

Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett said the university began campaigning to recognize the holiday shortly after King’s assassination in 1968.

"We began doing this work at Michigan State based on student advocacy and support six whole years before the United States federal government acknowledged the birthday as a federal holiday," Bennett said. "We were leading in the nation. That’s something to be proud of."

Every year, a new student is chosen to recite a passage from King’s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the march participants. This year’s speaker was 10-year-old Isiah Johnson, a fifth grader from Waverly East Intermediate School.  

Kinesiology junior Kayla Dunham, executive board member of MSU Successful Black Women, spoke about King’s dreams being realized and carried out decades after his death.

"When we talk about the progress towards civil rights, it’s important to reflect on the steps we’ve taken in the work that’s still ahead of us," Dunham said. "While we make significant strides, we also know that true equality requires continual effort, conversation and action."

MSU Department of Psychology and Honors College professor Lee June, a former vice president for student affairs and services, also spoke at the event. June encouraged students to keep marching for a sense of belonging and university-related issues such as graduation rates, academic probation rates and hate speech.

Graduate co-chair Jakaira Lynn said that to make sure MSU continues to work toward being welcoming to all students, they must be "exuding the issues" students bring to their attention.

"When our students talk about the things that they don’t like or where they don’t feel seen, the areas where they’re not heard or supported, I think that the university needs to do a better job at supporting our students and being louder about our students," Lynn said.

Shortly after the event concluded, a reception was held at the Multicultural Center. Monday’s events are a part of this week’s events set to continue honoring King.