Despite rainy weather, students and staff joined together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr by participating the annual Unity March.
The march, which kicks off Unity Week, began at the Multicultural Center with greetings and prayers.
Multicultural Director Patricia Lovett says that the march actually began in the Muncie community.
"[People] used to march downtown and then they would go to the church service afterward. Then we found out that doing the march that way lead to little participation so we decided to bring it to Ball State," said Lovett.
"The purpose of the march is a time to reflect on Martin Luther King, his vision and what he did for us as people," said Lovett.
About 75 people showed up to participate in the march, which carried on in songs related to peace and freedom. Hands and arms interlocked as the group walked toward the Scramble Light and began heading back toward the Multicultural Center.
Samantha Ellison, junior women's studies and psychology major, says that she wished the whole university would have come out to walk.
"We have a good outcome today but it speaks so much when you have an entire university that supports diversity," said Ellison.
"I participated because I think that it is very important to support Martin Luther King and also to support the people who have struggled throughout the whole generation. We're still struggling with many issues of diversity and today is a day to celebrate," said Ellison.
Natasha Lee, junior nursing major, says that the level of diversity on campus is good but she still has some concerns.
"The mixing of diversity forms cliques of the same race. I feel as if we should do a better job of including everyone," said Lee.
Lee also believes that our campus can improve diversity in numerous ways.
"Going into the classroom and encouraging our classmates and colleagues to talk to someone new every day that is different from them could make a difference," said Lee.
"If you look back at the history of marches, they were nonviolent. People linked up and marched hand in hand although people were yelling and spitting at them they did not retaliate," said Lovett.
Although we get a day off classes, some students decided to dedicate their time to volunteering while others do not recognize the holiday.
"I think is it sad if students look at Martin Luther King Day as a day off because that is not what the day is about. If students have done service in the community, that is good participation," said Lovett.
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