Students hold vigil for King

The Monday night scene outside of the Cathedral of Learning was lacking its usual bustle…. The Monday night scene outside of the Cathedral of Learning was lacking its usual bustle. Cigarette breaks and students running to class were replaced with lit candles and respectful onlookers.

About 50 students climbed the wet steps and congregated on the rainy Cathedral patio at 5:30 p.m. yesterday for The 8th Annual MLK Vigil, March, and Speakout. Four women stood at the top of the Cathedral steps with matching white T-shirts peeking out from under their jackets. King’s face adorned the front of their shirts.

For these umbrella-bearing students, participating in the vigil was what Martin Luther King Jr. Day was about. This holiday was more than an extra night to go out and party, more than a day off from classes and more than saving the typical Sunday homework load for Monday.

It was a day about a man, a movement and a dream.

The celebration had special meaning for sophomore Janelle Greene, who recalled the Black Action Society’s involvement in making MLK Day a University-wide holiday.

She said it was important for all students to reflect on the message of both King and other civil rights leaders.

“Not just black people and not just white people but people of all ethnic backgrounds,” Greene said.

Women in high heels jumped over puddles and laughed at the wind that was taking control of their hair and flimsy umbrellas. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha, the event leaders, started the lighting of the candles. Wick to wick, they spread the fire while attempting to block the wind and rain with their hands.

A sudden gust blew out almost all of the candles that had been lit, and the rain got harder. The candle holders continued to light up, wick to wick.

The group huddled together as members of Alpha Phi Alpha read about the life of King. During the presentation, most of the candles blew out again. Alpha Phi Alpha member Yannick Skerritt assured everyone that it did not make a difference.

“We are not going to allow that to quench our spirits,” Skerritt said.

The crowd split, allowing the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha to lead the way down the Cathedral steps, as everyone sang “We Shall Overcome.”

The procession of umbrellas protected the long line of marchers and their sporadically lit candles as they crossed Bigelow Boulevard and made their way to the William Pitt Union. Cars stopped and allowed the marchers to pass, and people looked up from what they were doing as the singing group entered the Union.

They sang, “Oh deep in my heart I do believe we shall overcome some day.”