Ally Hufford
Student Writer
We arrived back on campus a little over a week ago, and our brains are starting to adjust to the course-load that comes with J-Term. Most of us were beyond thankful for the long weekend that Monday’s holiday brought. Many of the events on campus this week centered around that day and the reason we had off: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Messiah hosted events each day during the annual MLK celebration week.
Sunday, January 14 – Sho Baraka
Sho Baraka kicked off the week of celebration with a concert in the Union. Students filled tables around the stage and in the balcony as they listened to his performance. Baraka’s songs touch on difficult topics, but his reliance on God is clear through the lyrics he writes. Baraka mesmerized Messiah students as he rapped, leading a couple hundred students to bob their heads and sway to the rhythm.
Monday, January 15 – Service Trips
Students had the opportunity to spend their MLK Day doing various service projects throughout the surrounding community. The Agapé Center sent students out alongside the greater Harrisburg MLK Day of Service. Students were able to help at places like Silence of Mary Home, the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg and Paxton Ministries. A group also went to the Bethesda Women’s Shelter to make and eat lunch with the women, as well as clean and organize things throughout the home.
Tuesday, January 16 – Evening Chapel with Juanita Abernathy
Despite missing chapel on Tuesday morning, Juanita Abernathy still spoke at Tuesday night’s chapel service. Justice turned out to be the overarching theme of both services, which is a topic that Abernathy is passionate about. She worked tirelessly throughout the Civil Rights movement, being present at all of the crucial protests.
Beyond Messiah
While celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr., his daughter, Bernice King, sent out a tweet urging Americans to remember and honor her mother just as much as her father. “Without #CorettaScottKing, there would be no #MLKDay,” she said.