Vincennes University students and the local community came together on Thursday, January 23, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the second annual MLK Memorial Walk. Held at the Student Recreation Center.

Participants walked in solidarity while iconic images of King and the 1963 March on Washington were displayed. They also shared personal dreams by writing them down and posting them inside the center.

VU Dean of Global Diversity Heidi Tasa emphasized the significance of the event, saying, “The Vincennes University MLK Memorial Walk honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 250,000 individuals who participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.”

Ada Hedrick, President of the Black Student Union Legacy Club, encouraged students to get involved, highlighting the importance of representation and learning. “We’re honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with the walk, and we have his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech playing in the background,” Hedrick said. “It’s important for students to get involved because representation is very important, and just being able to learn new things and talk to your peers.” she said.

Aaron Tyson Sims, Associate Professor of English at VU, also participated and shared his thoughts on King’s lasting impact.  “King emerged on the scene in response to a need, a need to fight for freedom and equality,” Sims said. “Paying homage to King is also paying homage to that effort and struggle to achieve the American dream.”

Organizers noted the event has grown since it’s inaugural event in 2024 and expressed hope for even greater participation in the future.

For more on events at Vincennes University, visit www.vinu.edu.