January 6, 2025

By Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Black Studies and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity

 NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events designed to inspire, educate and unite the community. The MLK 2025 celebration will include activities for all ages, highlighting Dr. King’s dedication to service, equality and change.

“Through these diverse events, we invite all community members to reflect on Dr. King’s dream and take action in making it a reality,” said Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Black Studies and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity. “The NSU-hosted events will take place from Thursday, Jan 16 until Tuesday, Jan. 21  when we will celebrate the National Day of Racial Reconciliation.”

The weekend celebration will begin with a Movie Night featuring “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Thursday Jan. 16, to recognize the various ways people across the nation worked to make America more equitable for all.

“It’s important to look at the many ways marginalized Americans fought for equality and equity within the United States. Too often we tell the same stories of liberation when many exist across the nation” said Brittany Broussard, NSU’s director of Culture and Climate. “This movie night will shed light on Fred Hampton and how he and the people he led helped to shape America.”

The MLK Day of Service is a national day set aside to remember Dr. King’s legacy through giving back. On Jan. 18-19, NSU student groups will work with community organizations to create lasting change and remember what Dr. King, Jr stood for: justice, service and activism.

Ramiya Lewis, president of NSU’s African American Caucus, organized a joint information session and volunteering session for the students at the local Boys and Girls Club. This event aims to give students an in-depth look into Dr. King’s life while adding to the excitement of the Boy and Girls Club. The City of Natchitoches will award a monetary prize to a student group that volunteers over the two days of service.

“My vision for the MLK Day of Service is to show students those who have come before us,” Lewis said.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will take place Monday, Jan. 20. The march will begin at the Ben Johnson Educational Center with line up at 10:30. a.m. and end with a program at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle. The program will feature a message from Wise, a wreath laying with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. along with a poem presentation from The Weaver Elites.

“I am inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that,’” said Christian Holmes, president of the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.  “His words serve as a reminder to be light in this world. I am honored to be able to recognize the national impacts of a fellow Alpha Brother.”

This event is open to all students, faculty, staff and Natchitoches community.

“Together, let’s honor Dr. King’s vision and continue his work toward a better, more just future,” Wise said.

Schedule of Events:

 January 16: Judas & The Black Messiah Movie Night
NSU Student Union, Lucile Hendrick Room, 6 p.m.

 January 17–18: MLK Days of Service

 January 18: Echoes of Change with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Noon

 January 20: MLK Day March & Program
Starting Location: Ben Johnson Center – Line up begins at 10:30. a.m.

 January 20: NSU Basketball Game Honoring Nicole Gray
Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m.

 January 21: National Day of Racial Healing

Choctaw-Apache Voices Book Talk by Dr. Robert Caldwell (Choctaw-Apache) and Thomas Parrie (Choctaw-Apache)
NSU Student Union, Cane River Room, 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Wise at WiseJ@nsula.edu.