On Jan. 15 many came to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with tributes, songs, endearing speakers, and rhythmic drum beats. In an auditorium filled with people, many listened with consideration during the celebration with speakers Yasmin Ranney, NEIU’s Dean of Academic Development, Michelle D. Morrow, NEIU’s Director of the Office of Scholarships and Retention, and SGA President Jason Garcia. After the dedications came to an end, performances began.
First came the Evangelical Christian School Choir with many children in harmony as the crowd applauded. Many stood up to clap and raise their hands in euphoria.
Afterwards came the harmonization of the Black Heritage Gospel Choir who sang melodious hymns to uplifting tunes. The crowd swayed like a moving sea of people to the choir’s soulful voices.
Then came the next act, the Urban Sankofa, composed of drummers playing beats of African rhythms. Not long after, a belly dancer came on the stage to tantalize the crowd as they screamed with excitement. As the beats progressed, the audience stood up and began to participate with the entertainment by swaying, singing and dancing.
Towards the end, the children of the Evangelical Christian School Choir and the Black Heritage Gospel Choir came onto stage to dance in sync to the rhythm.
As the event came to an end, the Urban Sankofa finalized the departure with their talented skills. Some audience members came on stage and showed off some serious dance moves, even dropping it to the floor.
Outside the auditorium was a book signing by Dr. Lea E. Williams, author of “Servants of the People: The 1960’s Legacy of African American Leadership”, as the crowd gathered for conversation.
The event was a great success, one that would even make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. smile.