On January 21, 2019, Randolph-Macon College hosted its annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Blackwell Auditorium, RMC Center for the Performing Arts.
President Robert R. Lindgren welcomed guests, and Provost William T. Franz introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Janie M. Walker.

Reverend Janie M. Walker
Rev. Walker is a Baptist minister and co-pastoral director of Richmond Hill, a residential ecumenical Christian community whose mission includes working toward racial reconciliation in the Metro Richmond area. Committed to personal spiritual disciplines and practices, she maintains a discipline of spiritual guidance and healing as she walks with others on their spiritual journeys.

An Uplifting Message
Reflecting on Dr. King’s life and legacy, Rev. Walker talked about the importance of “staying woke”—alert—and challenged the packed-house audience to “be present, claim your passion, and keep the vision moving.” In encouraging students to be open to new ideas, she said, “Don’t let yourself become lost in the tumultuous waters of society. Don’t sleepwalk through life. We must stay woke. There is extraordinary work to be done.”

Following her talk, the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir performed three songs. Their energetic performance included audience participation and was followed by a standing ovation.

Celebrating the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each year, Randolph-Macon College celebrates the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by inviting a distinguished speaker to campus to commemorate King’s birthday. Previous speakers include former Virginia Governor and Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, Pastor and Civil Rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker, former Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, entrepreneur Shelia Johnson, Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia Maurice Jones, Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, acting president at Virginia Union University, and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.