Around a dozen members of the Methodist University community spent their morning reflecting on the legacy of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Around a dozen members of the Methodist University community spent their morning reflecting on the legacy of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday morning, the Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council hosted its 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Brunch at Crown Expo Center – honoring the prominent leader who played a crucial role in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.
More than a thousand members from the greater Fayetteville community were on hand with Methodist University returning as one of the event sponsors. This year’s brunch centered around the theme “Establishing a Time for Education, Students, and Teachers in 2024: Building Strong Character, Building Strong Minds.”
Approximately a dozen Monarchs attended the event, including Gavin Myrick, MU’s director of Student Belonging & Inclusion.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a hallmark of American history, and his guidance and vision has been an example to our community,” said Myrick. “Methodist University strives to follow the principles of diversity and equality that Dr. King outlined throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Here at MU, we honor the lasting memory of Dr. King.”
Rev. Pia Jessup, associate minister of St. Thomas Ellis Creek AME Zion Church, was featured as this year’s keynote speaker – an opportunity multiple MU students in attendance looked forward to.
“Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the MLK Brunch with other members of the community provides an opportunity for reflection, unity, and discussion about his legacy,” said junior Zariah Mosley, who is majoring in Nursing. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate his contributions to civil rights, equality, and social justice.”
Methodist University was ranked the most diverse university in North Carolina in 2021-22 and 22-23, and participation in this event is one of the many opportunities MU highlights throughout the year to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion. MU also has a dedicated Student Belonging & Inclusion team and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office.
“Being able to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is monumental because he fought for everything that is made possible here at MU,” added senior Aniyah Tate, who is majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science (CSI). “It is all truly put into perspective when being able to look around campus and see so much diversity, yet everyone can be treated equally and presented with the same opportunities.”