While banks, schools, and offices were closed, the A-State campus was vibrant with the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on January 20, 2020. The theme was “Walk Together”, and the diverse gathering of students, faculty, members of student organizations, and the public, fit perfectly. The event began at the Military Service Building and continued to the Fowler Center, where a program was held shortly afterwards.

Pictured above, some of the members of the A-State debate team holding signs while participating in the Walk. The signs read, “Hate cannot drive out hate…only love can do that”, “the time is ALWAYS right to do what is right”, “MLK Drive has arrived’, as well as many others.

The NEA MLK Singers beautifully performing traditional music to lead the assembly held in the Fowler Center after the walk.

The key note address was given by John Register. Register is a Paralympic silver medalist and CEO of John Register Inspired Communications International, along with many other titles. Register began his message with defining Tolerance, and related his touching personal stories of his life as a paraplegic to Dr. King overcoming adversity.

The MLK day celebrations concluded with the momentous unveiling of the new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive street signs, at the intersection of Commerce and Highland streets. Many teary-eyed onlookers began to smile as the sign was revealed. As the covering was taken off, remarks such as “this is long overdue”, and “finally the fight is over” could be heard.

The Walk is about more than just a leisurely walk along campus in the same way the new sign is more than just a street sign. The events represent inclusion, togetherness, and the end of separation. The tireless efforts of townspeople and A-state faculty, such as Sandra Combs and Michael Gray, along with many others, were finally recognized, and Jonesboro is better for it.

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