Richmonders honor legacy of MLK Jr. with silent candlelit vigil
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmonders marched the River City streets on Monday night in a candlelit vigil, honoring the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Brothers and alumni of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and other members of the VCU community led the coalition during the evening on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- Monday, Jan. 19. The slain civil rights leader would have been 97 this week, but his message is still alive.
Dozens of participants marched up Broad Street and then turned toward the center of Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Monroe Park campus, raising awareness of Dr. King's efforts.
"We've been doing this for nine years, not only just as a sign to show our members of Dr. Martin Luther King, but also just to bring the community together," said Alpha Phi Alpha member Rafiq Afrifa.
Candlelight vigil at VCU on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. (Photo: 8News)
Candlelight vigil at VCU on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. (Photo: 8News)
When arriving at the campus's center, Dr. King's celebrated "I Have A Dream" speech played for all to hear.
"One day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners, will they be able to sit down at the table of brotherhood? I have a dream," Dr. King said back in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28, 1963.
The words continue to open hearts and ears today. Dr. King's nonviolent, equal rights message helped to ban discrimination based on race in public places.
"Being together, begin in the same space, being able to occupy spaces that — had Dr. King not existed — I wouldn't be able to," said participant Mike Wyche. "Being able to talk and interact with you and have all these beautiful moments, that is important."
Appreciative of the work, the Alphas and community members are also asking themselves and others the important question: "Who's next" to carry the torch of equal rights.
"The rights that he helped us get today, for all nationalities and as a student, as a man of color, we thank him greatly," Alpha Phi Alpha member Clyde Clark III said.
