By Amelia Kibbe
Features Assignment Editor
“I have a dream.”
These famous words of Martin Luther King Jr. still have a special meaning today. This past Monday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the St. Bonaventure community gathered to remember one of America’s most-recognized men and celebrate the peace and sense of unity he brought to the world.
The service was a collaboration between University Ministries, the Damietta Center and the Black Student Union (BSU). It began with a solemn walk from the Merton Center to the University Chapel in remembrance of the peace marches King organized in the South. The service at the chapel included singing, dancing, praying and speaking- most of which was led by St. Bonaventure students.
“The students really put the whole thing together,” Julianne Wallace of University Ministries said. “University Ministries asked the Black Student Union and the members from the Damietta Center what they would like to happen, and they outlined the whole thing for us.”
The service included a speech by Tyrone A. Hall, pastor of the Fresh Joy Ministries on East State Street in Olean. In his speech, Hall recognized not only King, but also Nelson Mandela, the late president of South Africa. Hall explained that just as King did with his words and action, we should focus on loving everyone — even those who do not love us back. Hall explained this is what would bring true peace to the world.
“Martin Luther King Jr. was faced with many obstacles in his lifetime,” Hall said during his speech. “You and I are also faced with obstacles today.”
In addition to Hall’s speech, the service included songs and dances put together by members of BSU.
Santina Lokobeni, a sophomore biology major and secretary of BSU, was one of the performers. Aside from taking part in the service, Lokobeni actively worked behind the scenes to make the evening a success.
“Our group wanted to do something big this year,” Lokobeni said. “We wanted to make it more than just another day and to have a community feel while doing it. After all, if it weren’t for Martin Luther King, some of us might not be here today.”
Gladys Ofori, a senior sociology major and president of BSU, echoed Lokobeni’s thoughts.
“Even though we had classes (on Martin Luther King Jr. Day), we still thought it was important to do something special to pay tribute to a great man,” Ofori said. “It was a great way to get the community to come together as one and look past our differences.”
Junior sociology major and vice president of BSU Diana Roque said she thinks the event went well.
“I was surprised with the large turnout for both the march and the service,” she said. “The whole thing was a great success.”
Hall said he was glad to have a chance to visit St. Bonaventure and talk about how the actions that King helped bring about have an impact on our lives today.
“This service provided a way for unity among the community,” Hall said. “King and Mandela both fought for this, and they were both great men.”
Father Francis DiSpigno, O.F.M, led the service. He said he believed the evening was a success, and he hoped the Bonaventure community could continue to do special things such as this.
“It was truly an inspiration to see the talents of the students who took part,” Father Francis said. “I loved how the community came together. In his speech, Pastor Hall said we all ‘have a little King in us.’ I don’t think it could have been said better. It is such a powerful thought.”
