Heidelberg culminated its observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day on Tuesday with a call to action – a challenge to embrace service and make it part of every day.
Clyde Pickett, director of Multicultural Development and New Student Orientation at Ohio Northern University, delivered the call to action as the keynote speaker during the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service of celebration.
“We must begin by asking ourselves, as Dr. King did, ‘What are we doing for others – as individuals and as an institution?’” he said.
To raise up King’s vision and honor his legacy, Pickett issued three challenges:
- Embrace at least one cause of service as your passion
- Foster at least one relationship under the umbrella of service
- Make every day a “day on (in service),” instead of a day off
Using King’s life as a model, Pickett said all individuals “can ascend to greatness when we serve.” He encouraged the community to work proactively to foster relationships that will open the door to equality. “Making ourselves better starts with building relationships with those around us.”
Embracing those challenges, however they are measured, honors King’s vision, Pickett said. “(Through service), we build up ourselves, our community, our school and ultimately, we build up mankind.
“We all can be, should be and will be great in our service to others.”
During the celebration Tuesday, theatre professor Chris Tucci and student Ben Jones delivered a stirring reader’s theatre, titled “Out of a Mountain, a Stone of Hope,” based on the 13 quotes etched into the new MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C. Dr. Doug McConnell provided piano accompaniment. The talents of the Heidelberg Concert Choir and the Singing Collegians, under the direction of Dr. Greg Ramsdell, shined through during two numbers.
Current BSU president Brittany Tatum, a sophomore, emceed the event. Freshman Dwaynne Redrick provided the invocation and Anthony Gholson, head men’s basketball coach, gave closing remarks. The program concluded with the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
A day earlier, approximately 100 students, faculty and staff canvassed the community to perform volunteer service at churches and local agencies – a day on in service, rather than a day off, to honor King’s legacy.