DBU Joins Together for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and 6th Annual Unity Walk

On Monday, January 17, 2022, Dallas Baptist University students, faculty, and staff joined together to recognize and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In commitment to fostering servant leaders and in dedication to unity and reconciliation in our community, DBU continued in its eleven-year long tradition of participating in service activities as part of the annual national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Following the Day of Service, Patriots gathered on DBU's campus for DBU's 6th annual Unity Walk.

The Dr. William B. Dean Center for Service-Learning under the direction of Desi Henk from the Center for Career and Professional Development led 21 DBU student volunteers to serve at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas for the MLK, Jr. Day of Service. Welcomed by Pastor Chris Simmons and his team, Patriots were divided into groups to help organize and clean the canned food pantry, serve meals in the kitchen, complete a landscaping project near the church, and build shelves in Cornerstone's grocery store. Cornerstone's commitment to serving the surrounding community is inspiring example to DBU students and aligns with DBU's desire to create peace and hope, even in dark times.

At 4:00 p.m. that afternoon, on the top of the hill was flooded with Unity Walk participants made up of students, faculty, and staff. Beginning in front of the Collins Learning Center, student officers of the Black Student Union led in a time of prayer, a reading from Scripture, and a reflection on the legacy of Dr. King. Following this, the group proceeded together through the Quad before stopping at the cross next to Pilgrim Chapel for a time of further prayer, words from Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President, and the traditional recitation of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech by Rev. Bertrain Bailey, DBU trustee and pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Dallas.

"Reflecting on the history behind us and striving towards a brighter future before us, DBU's annual Unity Walk is a time to join together as the body of Christ to remember influential historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to proclaim our hope in the power of Christ to overcome division," shared Dr. Wright. "With humble hearts and minds set on harmony, DBU desires to send new peacemakers and servant leaders out into the world, all through the power of Christ alone."