Dallas Baptist University Hosts Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Unity Walk

Each year, Dallas Baptist University hosts an annual Day of Service off campus and Unity Walk on campus to honor the life and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On January 16, the William B. Dean Center for Service-Learning led DBU student volunteers to serve at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas. Organized and directed by volunteer coordinator Barbara Biddle and Pastor Chris Simmons, DBU students were divided into two groups to sort through and organize the canned items in the church pantry and serve lunch to the community. Students were also able to evangelize to, pray over, and give Bibles to many attendees. Throughout the Day of Service, Patriots exemplified the body and attitude of Christ as they served the community members of South Dallas.

Following the Day of Service, students, staff, and faculty members joined together at the top of University Hill to participate in the Dallas Baptist University MLK Unity Walk. Before beginning the walk, attendees congregated in front of the Collins Learning Center to hear from Dr. Jay Harley, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Dr. Jack Goodyear, Dean of the Gary Cook School of Leadership, listen to scripture read by DBU Student Sabian Washington, pray alongside DBU Student Josephine Allen, and hear a word from DBU Student Jeremiah Austin.

"The MLK unity walk serves as a defining moment each year at DBU that continues the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," shares Jeremiah Austin. "The greatest thing this generation can do is continue the pathway of unity and peace that was chartered by preceding generations. Honoring the past should never be considered an archaic value but a premise to build the future."

After hearing from Jeremiah, students began the Unity Walk, led by Patriots carrying the Unity Walk banner. Upon approaching the cross in the middle of campus, DBU President Dr. Adam Wright delivered a few words before welcoming DBU Alum Rev. Bertrain Bailey. As is tradition, Dr. Bailey recited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech from memory for all in attendance.

Following Dr. Bailey, the program continued with a scripture reading by DBU Student Cameron Kahn, prayer from Dr. Cicely Jefferson, Assistant Professor of Business Law, and the congregational singing of Amazing Grace led by DBU students Connor Cox and Ariana Bolton. At the end of the event, DBU student Emily Carlos led all in attendance in a closing prayer.

Through events like these, Dallas Baptist University continues to strive towards greater unity throughout the Patriot student body, the body of Christ, and the world as a whole. DBU is grateful for individuals on campus who are passionate about honoring those who came before us in order to pave a better path for future generations.

"The second commandment that Jesus gave us is to 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' When we stand against discrimination in any form, we live out this command," shares Dr. Jefferson. "As a Christ-centered University, the MLK Unity walk provides an opportunity to take a stand and to demonstrate that people from all races and backgrounds can come together in love and overcome hate."