Remembrance wraps up MLK Day

The Buskirk-Chumley Theatre played host to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration at 7 p.m. Monday evening. Featuring a variety of speakers and music, the event attempted to put into action the plans of Dr. Martin Luther King, while exemplifying those in the community that have fought to uphold his word.\nThe event was opened by words of welcome from Elizabeth Mitchell and Carl Amani, chair and vice chair of the MLK Commission, a local group that plans community events pertaining to MLK. After a prayer for peace and music from the IU African-American Choral Ensemble, several prominent figures in the community spoke about Dr. King and his message that continues to live on. \nWords from Dr. King's wife, Coretta Scott King, were passed on by Bloomington Deputy Mayor James McNamara. Through his voice, she spoke words of motivation directly towards the people of Bloomington. \n"We must rededicate ourselves to the principles and the methods of non-violence that empowered his leadership and his radiant vision of all humankind living together as brothers and sisters with peace and justice and harmony," she said. \nAlong with those words from Ms. King were words from Iris Kiesling, from the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, standing up for peace. \n"We must say no to war," she said. \nAfter an introduction from Interim President Gerald Bepko, the keynote speaker, Dr. John H. Stanfield, took the stage. Raised by a New York family deeply involved with the Civil Rights Movements, Stanfield added a knowledgeable perspective to the event. He is currently chair and professor of African-American and African Diaspora Studies and adjunct professor of sociology and American studies at IU. \nBeginning with the life and times of Dr. King and covering current racial issues, Stanfield ended with a call for action. \nHe asked the people of the Bloomington community, "Why not us?" in an effort to make a change. "Why not, why not, why not," he ended emphatically. The audience replied with a standing ovation, which was followed by a group effort, singing the song "We Shall Overcome"