#pathwaystostudentsuccess

[cmupathways]

Pathways staff and students marched with other CMU students, faculty, and staff to downtown Mt. Pleasant for the CommUnity March and Vigil.

Eboni’s MLK Day Reflection

CMU'S MLK Day events helped me realize that the smallest things like having Martin Luther King Day off is a privilege that not everyone is afforded. For instance, students at our university did not always have the opportunity to take a day off to honor Dr. King. A former student, James King, spoke at the MLK Unity March and told the audience the history of MLK day at CMU. It started off as a small protest. Now MLK day at CMU has become a day of service and unity in which students can take a day off from class to participate in. I was happy to see so many different people show up to these events. It gives me hope for the future to know that people have not given up on unity and peace.

[cmupathways]

Pathways staff and students marched with other CMU students, faculty, and staff to downtown Mt. Pleasant for the CommUnity March and Vigil.

Jessika’s 2017 MLK Day Reflection

During the MLK Day events I was reminded that we are more the same than we are different. However, I am also reminded that we need to embrace the differences we do have and celebrate them together. During an MLK day service event, I and other students made blankets to be donated to the Isabella Foster Closet. These blankets will be distributed to foster children in Isabella County. During the Peace Vigil I enjoyed the spoken word shared. These pieces painted a vivid picture of the struggle and perseverance of Black Americans. Additionally, speakers at the vigil shed light on the history behind MLK day being a day off from classes, but on for service. CMU students used the power of protest to ensure MLK Day was a day off from classes. I see how their actions have paved the way for the programs held on CMU’s campus today in honor of Dr. King. I appreciate the passion that initial small group of students exercised to make CMU realize how important MLK Day is. MLK day is a day to serve and make a difference.

[cmupathways]

Pathways staff and scholars pose with MLK CommUnity Peace Brunch Keynote Speaker, Russell Harris and oratorical contest winner and Pathways scholar, DaLaun Dillard.

Aja’s 2017 MLK Day Reflection

On MLK Day, I remembered that we can’t get anywhere without fighting as one. Without the voices of others, we cannot be as loud and have a lower chance of being heard. MLK Day at CMU was a day where the students and the Mt. Pleasant community came together to celebrate a battle that they don’t necessarily have to fight in but do. MLK Day is a day of hope.