Randolph-Macon College celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 16, 2017 in Blackwell Auditorium, RMC Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, acting president at Virginia Union University, delivered the keynote address.

William T. Franz, RMC provost and vice president for academic affairs, welcomed guests.

Photos: Celebrating the Life of MLK

“Today, we gather together to celebrate the 88th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Franz. “He realized that a dream without the resolve of the people, a dream without a great deal of hard work, can be nothing but a nightmare. Dr. King’s dream was inclusion, not insult.”

Introducing the keynote speaker, Franz said, “Dr. Joseph F. Johnson is a man who has devoted his life to the success of those who will follow him. He has been a teacher, an administrator, assistant and associate school superintendent, a dean, a vice president, and, above all, wherever he has been, a leader.”

Johnson began his address by sharing the story of his childhood and adolescence, which he spent in Wilmington, North Carolina. Johnson, who watched King speak during the March on Washington, encouraged RMC students to be true to themselves and never hesitate when given the opportunity to make a positive change in the world.

“As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the common goal for us should be our humanity to each other,” he said. “I think there is a cry in this country for us to be much more human to each other.” He continued, “It is clear to me that we should never underestimate the power of small successes… small successes can certainly move mountains. The human voice is different from any other sound; it doesn’t even have to yell in order to be heard. A whisper can be heard over noise, especially if it’s telling the truth. Remembering that we are all equal helps us understand and rededicate ourselves to the principle that none of us has the right to harm another.”

RMC’s Ujima Gospel Choir performed “Keep Your Lamps” and “I Will Bless the Lord.” The multicultural organization, which enhances unity through worship and praise as it promotes Gospel music throughout the Randolph-Macon and Ashland communities, is led by Brandon Owens ’14, who serves as the Choir’s music director and pianist. Essence Ellis ’18 is president of the Choir, and LaChelle Lewis ’12 serves as advisor.

About the Program
For many years, Randolph-Macon College has celebrated the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by inviting distinguished speakers to campus to commemorate King’s birthday. Past speakers have included former Virginia Governor and Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, Pastor and Civil Rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, entrepreneur Shelia Johnson, and Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia Maurice Jones.