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The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia |
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R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren and Mayor Jones |
Randolph-Macon College honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a tribute celebration on what would have been his 81st birthday. The January 15, 2010 program took place in Blackwell Auditorium located in the R-MC Center for the Performing Arts. The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia was the keynote speaker.
Mayor Jones has been an active public servant in the City of Richmond for over 35 years. He was first elected to the Richmond Public School Board in 1979 and served as its chairman from 1982 – 1985. In 1993, he was elected to the Virginia State Legislature as an honorable member of the House of Delegates serving the 70th district. During his tenure, he worked to pass legislation which provided health services, ensured strong finances, and offered protection of Richmond’s neighborhoods and its most fragile citizens. He was also appointed to chair the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Mayor Jones served as Delegate until November 2008, when he was elected, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia.
Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren welcomed Mayor Jones and thanked him for coming to the college to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Mayor Jones shared with the audience his admiration for Dr. King, calling him "one of the world's great champions for justice." Mayor Jones cited Dr. King's influence on his own life. "The spark of Martin Luther King in my life has not dimmed," he said. "It's important for me to reach out to those who have not had the opportunities that I have had."
Mayor Jones spoke of the importance of education, and implored Randolph-Macon College students to be socially conscious and politically active, encouraging them to "take on a life of service" and to "stand up and be counted. This country needs the voices of the youth."
R-MC's Ujima Choir followed Mayor Jones' speech with a moving performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "Ride On King Jesus." In addition, a moment of silence was observed to honor the victims of Haiti's recent earthquake.
Randolph-Macon College holds an annual celebration in honor of King. Previous speakers have included The Honorable Douglas L. Wilder, R-MC religious studies professor, Rev. Jerry Ross and Civil Rights leader Wyatt T. Walker.
For more information about this and other events at R-MC, please contact Pam Harris Cox at 752-3712,
pamelacox@rmc.edu or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 804-752-7317,
alauranz@rmc.edu