Campus honors King’s legacy

The NC State community is in the midst of a two-week celebration of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

On Jan. 9, bestselling author Wes Moore came to campus to give a lecture in King’s honor. On Jan. 21, NC State and middle school students will commemorate King’s memory with a day of service and education.

Moore, the author of the New York Times bestseller, “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates,” addressed students at Stewart Theatre. He discussed his book, which tells his own story and that of a death row inmate who shares his name and a similar upbringing.

Also in King’s honor, the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS) will hold its 10th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Challenge. Held on or around Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, the event aims to bring King’s messages to younger generations, according to Kat Michael, director of youth programs for CSLEPS.

“Our goals are to speak on Dr. King’s message and show the middle school students what he stood for, especially when it came to service and how anybody can serve,” said Michael, a senior public relations major.

On Jan. 21, roughly 50 NC State students will join students from Ligon Middle School to hear presentations on the First Amendment from African American Cultural Center Director Sheila Smith McKoy and Edward Brown, director of diversity programs for the College of Textiles. Students will also learn about the importance of peaceful protest to King’s work and participate in a march on campus.

Afterward, students will pack bags of personal hygiene products for the Raleigh Rescue Mission.