Photos: Commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The William & Mary community remembered the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and embodied his vision of “the beloved community” with a series of events held on campus in February, including a march across campus.

The Kappa Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. led the Feb. 15 march, which started at the Sadler Center and ended at Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, where several members of the university community spoke.

Participants in the march walk near the Wren Building on their way to Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

Other events held in February to honor the civil rights leader included a Day of Service hosted by the Office of Civic & Community Engagement on Feb. 10 and a number of events sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity. Those opportunities included a “Taste of Soul” cuisine sampling on Feb. 1, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Yard Show on Feb. 13 and the seventh Annual Sankofa Gala on Feb. 17, hosted by Student Assembly.

Miguel Jones ’24 was one of the people who spoke at Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved at the end of the march. (Photos by Stephen Salpukas)

The events were held in February instead of January because students had not yet returned to campus from winter break by Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which was Jan. 15 this year. February also serves as Black History Month.

One person wearing a choir robe lights another person's candle with their own. — Members of the Ebony Expressions Gospel Choir, which performed at the event, help spread the light around, one candle at a time. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent a message to students on Feb. 1, inviting them to join in the commemoration of King and his vision of “the beloved community – one in which we work together to foster deep human connection, understanding, justice and peace,” wrote Ambler.

“In celebrating together, we animate our university’s core values of belonging, integrity and respect,” she wrote. “I am proud to be a part of this very special community – here’s to a wonderful semester ahead.”