MCC’s MLK Commemorative Celebration goes virtual
Meridian Community College will host its annual the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative
Celebration virtually via a specially-created video that will air beginning Jan. 17.
Using the theme, “Bringing People Together for Change,” the video program honors the legacy of Dr. King’s fight against inequity and work for justice.
Lowell Martin, chairman of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration committee, explained this year’s event developed as a virtual one because of the pandemic. "Of course, we would have preferred to have the celebration in person. Since that was not possible, we have put together what we believe is a worthy commemoration. We hope everyone enjoys it," Martin said.
Dr. Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn State University, served as keynote speaker. An alumna of Alcorn and the institution’s first female president, Dr. Nave holds a master’s degree in chemical and environmental engineering and a doctorate in engineering, both from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.
Before she was appointed Alcorn’s president, Dr. Nave served as a provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Central University and led in various academic and administrative roles at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. She garnered the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award and the University of Toledo Department of Chemical Engineering Outstanding Alumna Award.
Noting the Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service, Dr. Nave said the observance is a day on, not a day off. “Today, as much as ever, there is a sense of urgency in serving mankind, particularly for us in advancing Mississippi,” she said.
Additional video highlights included the Hon. Veldore Young-Graham speaking on behalf of the Charles L. Young and Doretha Young Foundation and recognizing the Young Family Scholarship funded through The MCC Foundation. Recipients of the scholarship are Destiny Clark of Meridian and LaCaiyah Taylor of Noxubee County, sophomore Associate Degree Nursing Program students, and Ethan Archie of Meridian, a freshman in the Electrical Technology Program.
The Rev. Augustine Palimattam, the pastor of the Catholic Community of Meridian, offered the opening prayer. The MCC Gospel Choir, under the direction of the Rev. Scotty Cole, presented “Down By The Riverside.” MCC student Kajsa Cole performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Sprinkled throughout the video were students, faculty and staff members quoting Dr. King.
The 2021 MLK Celebration video will be shown on Comcast Cable Channel 12, and the College’s YouTube and Facebook social media channels. To see the video, visit MCC: 2021 MLK Celebration.