Augusta Technical College hosts 2024 tri-college MLK Jr. celebration
By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief
The Augusta academic community and the public came together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual tri-college celebration on Jan. 12. in the auditorium of Augusta Technical College’s Jack B. Patrick Information Technology Center.
Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Technical College, recognized the presence of the all those gathered and expressed thanks from the Augusta-area colleges, including Augusta University and Paine College.
“We’re very, very honored to have you all as our guests,” he said to the crowd.
This was Augusta Technical College’s first time hosting the event.
Augusta Technical College President Jermaine Whirl addresses the crowd at the tri-college MLK Jr. celebration on Jan. 12. At top of page, keynote speaker Otis Johnson speaks to the audience on Jan. 12. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)
Brooks Keel, president of Augusta University, and Cheryl Evans Jones, president of Paine College, attended and spoke at the event. Jasmine Sims, chief of staff for the office of the mayor, gave special greetings on behalf of Mayor Garnett Johnson. Ralph Turner, president of MCG Wellstar, also provided remarks.
A combined choir from the three institutions presented several songs including, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome.”
Seated from left to right, Augusta University President Brooks Keel. Paine College President Cheryl Evans Jones, keynote speaker Otis Johnson listen to songs presented by the colleges’ combined choirs. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
Otis S. Johnson, former mayor of Savannah, was the keynote speaker for the occasion.
Johnson explained how King’s upbringing and influence from other figures like Indian Mohandas K. Gandhi was crucial to the development of his character and motivation to protest with nonviolence, leaving a lasting legacy.
“It’s amazing how one person can have an impact on the world,” he said.
Johnson said it is important to remember the difference that King made, as the world tackles prevalent issues within society.
“It is poverty, racism… that is still keeping us from developing the beloved community and until we confront and conquer those ills we will continue to have people who are suffer unnecessarily, who are being held back in terms of equal opportunities and the other kinds of things that are tearing this world part,” he said. “I stand here today to tell you learn the story that you don’t know about this great man and our admiration for him, and our respect for him and our commitment to this great community will continue.”
“He’s a true gentleman,” Whirl said of Johnson.
A video message from senator and Reverend Raphael Warnock was also played at the event. Warnock is pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the same church that King was pastor of.
“On this Dr. King holiday, I invite us to reflect on Dr. King’s words,” Warnock said, as he quoted these words from King:
“We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the pressing urgencies of the great cause of freedom...a time like this demands great leaders.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.
Below is a slideshow of photos from the event. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
