Forming peace and brotherhood was the theme of this year’s annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. CRSM’s own Dean Edmonds, an ordained minister and pastor of Eternal Flame A.M.E. Church in North Chicago, directed the hour-long service focusing on the ways CRSM students, faculty, staff, and the larger community can emulate Dr. King’s call to knock down the walls of oppression and injustice and work together to find the dignity in each other.
“At CRSM, we believe in the collective success of the community, and that we belong to each other as brothers and sisters of God. Helping build peace is a win-win for us all. Dr. King calls us here today to create unity, diversity and respect for all.”
Pastor Eugene Roberson from First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in North Chicago called on students to strive for excellence in everything they do. “You are the future, the future doctors, lawyers, coaches, teachers and parents. Remember, life isn’t about how many friends you have, the clothes you wear, what color hair you have or how much money you have. Life is about who you love and who you hurt. Martin Luther King was a visionary and knew that life’s calling is to touch each other’s hearts. I ask you today to make a commitment to being true leaders, to hold onto God and to never settle for less than you deserve as a human being. You are here to plant the seeds of love.”
Musicians included: Donna Dallas, Brother Khalid Jernigan and Rev. Tyrell Winfrey from First Corinthian Baptist Church in North Chicago. Senior Amaya presented a deeply moving poetic dance.