IU programs seek to spread Dr. King's message to campus

Martin Luther King Jr. had a cause -- and an agenda.\nAfter his death, King's legacy has taken the shape of service projects and peace demonstrations to remember the leader's efforts to fight hate and discrimination.\nMore than 30 years later, the inflections in his voice during his famous speeches are echoed by others with the same agenda in mind.\nOn IU's campus and in the Bloomington community, several events celebrating his life all culminate into a similar goal -- to continue his message. \n"The celebration of MLK Jr. Day is just one example of how the campus not only celebrates the legacy of Dr. King, but strives to make the day one for learning and introspection," said Gloria Gibson, chair of the MLK Day Celebration Committee at IU. "I hope these programs can reflect the commitment King had."\nThe massive volunteer effort, "A Day On! Not a Day Off," perpetuates King's idea of helping one another, said Craig Brenner, special projects coordinator for the city. The event includes volunteers from around campus and the city who participate in more than 40 community service projects -- including the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and the Monroe County Humane Association.\n"One of (King's) major causes was helping others, and with so many organizations participating in Bloomington and on IU's campus, this is a great way to recognize King's efforts and continue them," Brenner said.\nSenior Brandi Vardiman has made her own effort to continue the flame by getting involved as an IU CommUNITY educator to teach other students about the importance of diversity. \n"Sometimes we tend to focus on just one dream, and are stagnant along the way," Vardiman said. "We need to take it a step further and keep the ball rolling in the future to really continue his legacy of achieving equality and peace"