Arkansas students plan march, vigil to honor MLK

Student organizations at the University of Arkansas (UA) recently began gearing up for the annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King on Jan. 16.

Hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King Council, the celebration begins with a traditional march that is followed by a vigil featuring a variety of speakers. The vigil is planned for noon in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom.

The UA’s Black Student Association and Associated Student Government have invited everyone on campus and in the local community to attend.

The council's Dream Keepers, composed of local youth, will offer two community service programs in the morning.

This year’s speakers include Lionel Davis II, director of diversity for the Associated Student Government; Dara Gaines, president of the Black Students Association; Kristen P. Smith, president of Purpose for Profound Pioneers Entertainment Group; and Trey Smith, of the Dream Keepers.

Charles Robinson, UA’s vice chancellor for student affairs, will also speak. Robinson has earned the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northwest Arkansas MLK Community Association, the Lonnie R. Williams Bridging Excellence Award from the Black Students Association, the Torchbearer Award from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the Honorary Alumni Award from the Black Alumni Society of the UA Alumni Association.

The Inspirational Choral, directed by Jeffrey Murdock, also is scheduled to perform.