Jo-Musulyn Banks

On January 20, 2020, Delaware State University, along with the Inner-City Cultural League Inc., celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hundreds of people gathered in the Education and Humanities theater at Delaware State University, to honor Dr. King. Special guests included Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, Governor John Carney, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, and the Honorable William L. Chapman.

The celebration of Dr. King consisted of performances by the Sankofa African Dance Company, who showcased two different African dances while the sounds from the drums filled the air. The Towne Point Elementary School beautifully sang, “We are in this world together.”

Sankofa African Dancers and Drummers

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the event highlighted his acts of bringing justice to those who were discriminated against. Senator Tom Carper quoted Dr. King, saying “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Senator Tom Carper

Delaware State University freshman, Amia Watson, felt inspired by the celebration.

“I’ve gained an understanding of being accepting towards things, but also to not be defeated,” Watson said.

“A day on, not a day off,” was the motto for this year’s anniversary, that expresses the importance of never forgetting what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did for the American society, and how he paved the way for a new generation of African Americans.

Honorable William L. Chapman, keynote speaker

Lryique Washington, a sophomore at the MLK event says, “Dr. King’s ideology was ahead of its time. Nonviolence can accomplish more things in the long run.”