HPU honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service and prayer
By Nicholas Bainbridge: News Editor
In his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged community members to come together to build a better society where everyone is accepted. In order to work toward the reverend’s dream, people from all walks of life come together on the third Monday of January to work together and honor his memory.
On Jan. 15, 2018, students and faculty at High Point University ocked to religious services and community service projects. Many were inspired by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help improve life for those around them.
On that day, local com- munity service groups hosted a plethora of events for volunteers to participate in. ese activities included gardening, garbage collection, and serving food to the homeless.
The Food Recovery Network is one of the student-led community service groups that was active on MLK Day. They are responsible for collecting the leftover food from dining locations across HPU’s campus and delivering it to local charities like Open Door Ministries and Leslie’s House.
As part of the MLK celebration, Open Door Ministries and other volunteer organizations received extra support due to the in ux of volunteers. It is because of this that community service holidays are a boon to volunteer organizations.
“It really helped get the whole campus involved rather than just the community service groups,” said senior Michaela Mucha. “We had teachers, students and family members getting involved. It helped spread awareness of what Food Recovery does to help minimize food waste and feed the community.”
MLK Day is also an important time for churches. A special religious service was held at the Hayworth Chapel in honor of Dr. King where worshippers gathered together to foster a sense of community.
The event featured music performed by singers of the Genesis Gospel Choir, and featured a ser- mon from Bishop Vashti McKenzie that encouraged the pursuit of justice. The sermon was received great praise from students who attended the ceremony.
“ The MLK Day Chapel service was a wonderful celebration of Dr. King, and a challenge to continue to make a stand for justice,” said Jacob Lancaster, one of the students who attended the service.
A second religious service was held at Williams Memorial CME Church in the evening. Attendees witnessed a service similar to the rest at Hayworth, honoring the memory of Dr. King through songs and praise. Several scholarships were also awarded during the service to students who have worked to improve the community. MLK Day is an important day for community service, both at HPU and across the country. It is a day to honor one man by doing good for those around us.