PINE BLUFF, Ark. – University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students gathered at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry building on Monday to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Organized by the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership in collaboration with the Student Government Association and the Union Programming Board, the program highlighted student leaders and artists.
Additionally, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff community had the opportunity to tour the newly remodeled Baptist Collegiate Ministry building and meet the new BCM campus minister, Matthew Hall, who shared a few words during the event and led in prayer.
“Have you considered what Dr. King considered when it came to peace and the vision of that peace that he saw? Dr. King considered good news. He considered a hope and a future preserved for a people. He considered a way where there was none, or at least it seemed as though there was none,” Hall said. “Students, faculty and staff, friends of UAPB, but most importantly I hope this applies to you brothers and sisters in Christ, our brother, Martin Luther King Jr., is enjoying the leader of that peace.”
Hall referenced Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their message has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat. The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous.” (CSB)
“At BCM, we are in Christ. We are on mission to see what peace of God can be experienced out loud on this campus and we will do it united,” Hall said.
A portion of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was also played during the event.
Prior to the evening program, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff student leaders participated in the 39th annual Original KingFest Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, an annual event for the city of Pine Bluff.
Frank D. Dorsey II, dean of student involvement & leadership, said University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff typically hosts a basketball game the night of MLK Day. This year, the team had a game in Florida.
“We wanted to do something this evening to open up the BCM and let students see it and formally introduce the new BCM director,” Dorsey said. “We are hoping this is going to be an ongoing partnership between the university and the BCM.”