Lyon College celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20 with a program of music, dance, and inspiring speeches that underscored his enduring message of equality, service, and hope.
The event, held on campus, drew a capacity crowd of students, faculty, staff, and community members. Lyon College President Dr. Melissa P. Taverner welcomed attendees, praising the collaborative spirit of the event.
Clifford Washington, a junior and president of Lyon College’s Black Student Association, served as the master of ceremonies.
The celebration opened with an invocation by Caleb Allen, a junior, followed by a moving performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by the Lyon College Gospel Choir under the direction of Barretta Robinson.
Highlights of the program were the Westwind School of Performing Arts Dance Ensemble’s vibrant performance of "Stand Up” and the screening of Dr. King’s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.
Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, dean and professor at Arkansas State University, delivered the keynote address. She encouraged the audience to continue King’s mission by embracing education, empathy, and service.
The MLK Service Award was presented by Lyon College alumna Markeita Williams to the Reverend Billy Burris, a 1979 Lyon College alumnus and pastor of St. Peter’s Baptist Church in Little Rock.
The event closed with remarks from Dr. Branndii N. Peterson, TRIO executive director, who urged attendees to take King’s message beyond the day’s celebration.
“We deeply appreciate everyone who came together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Dr. Peterson. “Your presence and involvement reaffirm that his dream lives on, and together, we can keep building stronger, more compassionate, and collaborative communities.”
The celebration concluded with a powerful rendition of "I Shall Wear a Crown" by the Lyon College Gospel Choir, leaving the audience inspired to continue the work of advancing King’s vision of a more just and equitable world.
The Lyon College Black Student Association has scheduled a month-long schedule of events celebrating Black History Month in February. For more information, please visitlyon.edu.
Click here to view the celebration photos.