Locals join together to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The bells at Salisbury University rang Wednesday night, not to signify time, but rather to signify the memory of one of American civil rights great heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
King was assassinated 50 years ago in Memphis, Tennessee. Groups from around the world took part in the National Civil Rights Museum's MLK50 Bell Toll.
"I think he's definitely inspired a lot of local people and leaders who are here now currently and who have been in the past who have been inspired by his words," said Amber Green, executive director of the Fenix Youth Project.
The university rang their bells 39 times. One for each year of his life that was cut short 50 years ago. A powerful moment that also provided those in attendance an opportunity to look back at the legacy, but also an opportunity to look at themselves.
"We know that we have inequality in society today and civil rights really is about increasing equity and equality for all people," said Dr. Sarah Surak, Salisbury environmental assistant professor.
For professors in attendance, they believe a ceremony like this can ignite a spark for young people to be the next voices in that fight.
"It encourages them and inspires them in those moments when maybe a tough choice has to be made about speaking up, speaking out, organizing, making taking a risk," said Dr. April Logan, Salisbury assistant english professor.
Green, with the Fenix Youth Project, says many of the same things Dr. King fought for nationally in his day can be translated to issues that still face parts of the Eastern Shore.
"The eastern shore definitely can learn about what he was doing towards the end of his life… He was focusing on bringing up the low income people, he was focusing on uniting blacks and whites, he was focusing on making a community a united front."
"I've been really impressed by the discussions that have been had on campus, and some of the activity going on off campus with different groups," said Logan. "I know there's an organization I think it's called the Fenix Youth Project so I think it's alive and well on the Eastern Shore."
Wednesday night's event at S.U. was partly sponsored by the faculty learning community, a group that works to teach diversity in the classroom and around the community.
