Every January, just after students arrive back on campus and have started to settle into their new schedules for the spring semester, a seemingly expected holiday arrives.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that marks the birthday of the civil rights leader that bears the same name.
For MLK Day this year, Asbury offered a time of contemplation during its Wednesday chapel service. The Spiritual Life Office gathered a group of students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds to reflect on the impact of Martin Luther King, Jr. and why it is still significant today.
Esther Jadhav, Associate Vice President of Intercultural Affairs, spoke to the vision behind this special chapel service.
“[This chapel] is an opportunity for us to remember and reflect on the implications of the work for justice,” said Jadhav. “[And to consider] how can we contribute and do our part in helping create a more just society that reflects the Kingdom of God.”
Jadhav also addressed how the practical elements of the service contributed to this vision.
“Chapel today gave us a glimpse of the cultural and ethnic realities we each navigate every day,” said Jadhav. “So many different cultural and ethnic realities yet with a common desire for justice and dignity.”
Five students who serve in various leadership capacities on campus shared messages during the service. These students included Steven Thompson, Joel Pletcher, Jedidiah Hutt, Faith Day and Alejandra Ahern. Each student’s message touched on a slightly different aspect of King’s legacy.
Jedidiah Hutt expressed this when asked what he hoped audience members would take away from the service.
“I hope we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a ‘drum major for peace, justice, and righteousness,’” said Hutt. “And that these rhythms continue to be needed and heard no matter who you are or where you are from.”
