Rollins Keeps the Dream Alive

Historically, The MLK celebration at Rollins only consisted of a dinner held by BSU. Two years ago, the Rollins community rallied around the idea of a week-long celebration that included faculty, staff, students, and Central Florida community members. This year, Jan. 14-18, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Rollins and was the largest yet. The five-day event was filled with social justice and civil rights related activities that were organized by many groups and offices on campus, including the Offices of Student Involvement Leadership, Community Engagement, and Multicultural Affairs with student organizations such as Black Student Union, NCORE Student Delegation, and ACE. On Thursday, there was a drum circle in front of the campus center during common hour, led by Jason Isla and his company, Giving World Percussion. Many students dropped by for a chance to bang on a drum for a few minutes. That night, there was a performance by the Center for Contemporary Dance called "Colours of Courage" in Annie Russell Theatre. On Friday, Jan. 15, BSU hosted a documentary and dialogue. The documentary was a heart wrenching film called Two Towns of Jasper, about a black man named James Byrd who was tied to a truck and dragged three miles to his death in Jasper, Texas in 1998. After the film, there was a discussion that ended with everyone present gathering in a circle, holding hands, and pledging hope and change for the future. Saturday was the day of service. In the morning, Rollins students and staff joined Central Florida community members with Hands on Orlando to help beautify Pine Hills Elementary School. In the evening, Rollins hosted a documentary, dialogue, and dance party for teens with the Boys and Girls Club of Orlando. The youngsters were so excited to be at Rollins and to interact with students, especially breaking it down on the dance floor with members of the Rollins community. Sunday, Jan. 17 was the Spoken Word and Drum Circle night. Rollins students, staff, and Central Florida community members gathered to hear poetry and music by local artists as well as Rollins students. After the Spoken Word, there was an interactive drum circle led by Jason Isla, which many students and community members took part in. Finally, the week culminated with the MLK Vigil on Monday, Jan. 18. This event had almost 300 students, faculty, staff, and community members in attendance. The Greek community at Rollins contributed largely to the event; they devoted time and energy into making the whole week a success. They collaborated to form a Fraternity and Sorority choir that performed beautifully. All the MCs for the evening were members of Rollins Greek life. Regarding Greek involvement, Mahjabeen Rafiuddin, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, stated, "As a community, they rallied for diversity and they love Dr. King's legacy and life and want to see it manifested at Rollins." There were several distinguished speakers, including Tony Jenkins, President Duncan, and Adis Vila. There were also several musical performances and a praise dance performed by students Cherisse Hagood, (Class of 2012), and Yvie Saint-Louis, (Class of 2013). The entire week ended with a candlelight vigil on Mills Lawn led by Dean Powers. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony filled with words of wisdom and love.