Henry “Mickey” Michaux speaks at an assembly honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo: Denita Smith/Echo Staff Photographer)

Students at N.C. Central University kicked the week of January 12 off right to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The entire week was filled with activities to celebrate King’s birthday.

The activities began on Sunday with a musical tribute in the School of Education at 5p.m. that evening.

The program opened with the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Seven groups performed. Some were community choirs, while others were dance ensembles.

Two of the performances were by groups of NCCU students. The Outreach Dance Duo from Campus Ministry and the Worship and Praise Inspirational Choir represented the University in their tribute to King.

There was a large crowd in attendance, including parents, surrounding church members, and students.

“I enjoyed this program,” said WPI choir member Marquita Hill, a sophomore elementary education major. “It was a great way to begin a celebration for King’s birthday, and I’m glad WPI could be a part of it.”

Those who came to watch said they had a good time as well.

“I came to hear our WPI choir and ended up receiving a lot more,” said sophomore criminal justice major, Arlicia Smallwood. “It was good to see people of all races come together for this great celebration.”

The Eagle Student Ambassadors and Baptist Student Union Members served as ushers for the program.

The program ended with the entire audience joining hands and singing the closing song “We Shall Overcome.”

On Monday at 7 p.m., a forum called “A Dream of Peace” was held, which elaborated on Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech. A Tuesday morning candlelight vigil and march was held in memory of King.

Later that day, at the McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium, A University Assembly was held at 11 a.m. Vice Chancellor Roland Gaines was the master of ceremonies for the assembly.

Miss NCCU Candice Jones also spoke from the podium.

The University Choir performed three selections. The speaker was Henry “Mickey” Michaux, who knew Dr. King and complimented his “honorable character.”

“The speakers were very interesting,” said sophomore, English major Jamia Green. “They presented a lot of information I didn’t know about Dr. King. They also stressed how important it is that we as black people ‘keep the dream alive.’”

The Rev. Michael Page, a coordinator for the events, said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Remembering the Past, Re-igniting the dream.”

“The committee did an excellent job to create diverse programs for the week,” said Page. “Each day was filled with memorable moments to re-live Dr. King’s dream.”

Page and his committee members scheduled a week full of activities for students to attend to remember the legacy of Dr. King.