Black Culture Club and Multi Culture Club honor MLK

The Black Culture Club and Multi-Culture Club hosted the third annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, “Hope”, on Jan. 15 to shed light on the accomplishments and memory of the reverend.

“It’s such a positive thing for this program to be happening,” singer and musician Josh Leak ‘17 said. “Especially in an area where there aren’t a lot of African American students.”

The program, held at the SC Performing Arts Center, opened with a performance by the sophomore chorus singing “Shed a Little Light” by James Taylor. The song choice emphasized the theme of the entire program, a retrospect on King’s accomplishments as well as a focus on the future and the positivity that it will yield.

“It’s a great thing seeing African American students doing positive things rather than being portrayed as gangsters,” Leak said.

Leak is an experienced performer whose musical talents have led him to play several instruments, including the cello, piano, drums as well as singing. Leak arranged both “Wade in the Water” by Eva Cassidy and “Precious Lord” by Thomas Dorsey for this occasion.

“It was fun getting to perform,” Leak said. “I know music is the key. The Lord is the key.”

“Hope” also welcomed guest speaker Rev. Dr. Geneace Williams to speak at the event. Williams spoke of infusing diversity and inclusion into the cultural fabric of life.

“There is still work to be done, and change to be realized,” Williams said. “Tonight, I assure you, that Dr. King knew the value of hope and its connection to change.”

“Hope” honored King’s legacy and aims to strengthen it into the future. With this program, King’s memory will continue to be honored for years to come.

“[King] still hoped,” speaker Michele George Griffin said. “He still prayed. He still prevailed. Now we must too.”