Big Rapids High School sophomore Viktoria Thomson was among the members of the community
taking part in a Freedom March on the Ferris State University campus Monday, Jan.
16, as part of the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
Despite rainy and cool weather, Ferris State University welcomed students, faculty, staff and community members to take part in events throughout the day as part of the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16.
One of the highlighted events annually is the Freedom March. Approximately 100 students, faculty, staff, and area residents came together this year for the march around the Robinson Quad and Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education.
Viktoria Thomson, a Big Rapids High School sophomore and daughter of Industrial Chemistry professor Mark and Communication Professor Stephanie Thomson, spoke about her participation interest.
“I think the world needs to change, and what we are doing today can help history and society move forward,” Thomson said. “I really hope events like this can help things get better.”
Lauren James, a freshman in Criminal Justice from Detroit, is the Black Student Union president. James shook off the dampness and chill as she returned to the Eisler Center for the presentation by keynote speaker Martese Johnson.
“I feel it is important to be here and represent our people,” James said. “I think we are still going through many of the injustices Dr. King faced, so we must continue to press for equality and change.”
Johnson, a New York City associate attorney and social justice advocate, also took part in the Freedom Walk and is a proponent of people of any age or situation taking a stand when they witness or face injustice.
Earlier in the day, faculty and staff took part in a morning in-service with their selected readings focused on the theme, “Helping Others Rise.” That program in the David L. Eisler Center included the Ferris State University Choir offering a vocal tribute to the slain civil rights leader.
The final MLK Celebration event took place on Wednesday, Jan. 18, in a ballroom of the David L. Eisler Center.