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Andrew Kinsey of WTOL and Cheryl Leonard of Glass City Grind
shared opening remarks that stressed the importance of
unity. “I know you were moved, and I can’t move on without
embracing this move for unity. Take a few minutes and meet
the person next to you,” said Kinsey.
Men and women of the United States Armed Forces, the Lucas
County Sheriff’s Department and the Toledo Police Department
served as honor guard and completed the presentation of
colors. Youth from Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts USA
led the Pledge of Allegiance, then Master Sergeant Matthew
Hart paid tribute to fallen heroes with a rendition of
“Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
“In collaboration with The City of Toledo, The University of
Toledo is proud to sponsor the 16th annual MLK
Celebration. Suddenly and tragically we lost Dr. King, but
today we recognize his legacy. The university has a strong
history of serving the community, just last year, 1500
students helped by providing service during the Big Event,”
said Sharon Gaber, PhD, UT president.
Entertainment of various forms were presented during this
celebration including an angelic rendition of the National
Anthem by Toledo School of the Arts student Jamaia McKinley
Riven, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and “Victory” led by
UT’s Gospel Choir, and “Fight Song,” composed and led by
Tracee Perryman, PhD, of The Overton Project.
Students from Toledo School of the Arts led a powerful
spoken word dance presentation which focused on stereotypes,
privilege and importance of speaking out against injustice.
Dignitaries delivered words of encouragement and importance
of diversity including Mark Sobczak, City of Toledo chief of
staff; Pete Gerkin, Lucas County commissioners and Marcy
Kaptur, United States congresswoman.
“We’re gathered today for an historic event. For the young
people in the audience, remember this date, March 7, 1965.
On that day in Alabama, state police tore through
African-American demonstrators with tear gas, night sticks
and bulldogs. Those peaceful protestors marched on while
focusing on voting rights. Citizens of color wanted equal
rights, and wanted the right to vote. We celebrate Dr. King
today and ask ourselves, ‘how will we put positive energy to
work for this nation?’” said Congresswoman Kaptur.
The celebration also acknowledged seven scholarships awarded
to UT students by the university and eight additional
scholarships awarded to UT students by The African American
Leadership Council of United Way of Greater Toledo.
Award-winning actress, writer and daughter of civil rights
leader Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Donzaleigh Abernathy, served as
keynote speaker. As she spoke about memories of her
childhood with Dr. King and her civil rights family, private
pictures from those times were displayed on the big screen
for audience members to view.
“When Rosa Parks was arrested, my father organized the
boycott and Dr. King was chosen to lead that movement. My
father issued a call for the movement, a 381-day boycott of
the bus system. After 344 years of various forms of slavery
it was time to push back,” she shared.
“When someone puts an obstacle in tour way, you rise up.
That’s what Uncle Martin would want you to know today. If
you’re going to fight, fight non-violently. That’s what you
need to learn from my Uncle Martin, this ensures lastly
peace. It takes a village to raise a child, and a community
to rebuild a nation. Now more than ever, we must sit
together. Don’t allow anyone to divide us,” explained
Abernathy.
The celebration closed with musical selections and community
meal.
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