Since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a heavy influence on the civil rights movement, people gather on his birthday to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Every year in Seattle people march and congegrate to show their appreciation for the “Man with a Dream.” Bellevue College has been a longtime supporter of this event. Associated Student Government member Asami Bandai said, “Bellevue College sponsors our community’s participation in the Seattle Martin Luther King Jr. Day Rally and March every year. We charter a bus and bring students from BC to Garfield High School,” Bellevue College is having many events during the week of MLK day, but this event is shared by more than just the student body here. “It’s a huge crowd. It’s hard to estimate, but at least a few thousand. When participants are walking, it stretches to 10 blocks,” said Bandai. Many people participate in this event every year from around the Seattle area “Seattle has one of the largest annual Martin Luther King Day Celebrations in the U.S. We honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his work toward racial equality and economic justice for all people, for his commitment to nonviolence, and for his stand against war and militia,” said Nora Lance, associate director of the Campus Activities Board.
Bellevue College has participated in the march in Seattle for a few years now, and plans on continuing this event. “This is about the third year that BC has participated in this march,” said Lance. However, though the event itself is large, not many students from BC actually attend the event “This year we have 38 people so far who is willing to attend,” said Michael Yoon, the ASG Vice President of Student Affairs and Pluralism.
Martin Luther King was an inspiration to many people for his work in civil rights and equality; for this people gather on his birthday to celebrate his life and achievements. If students have questions about the march, other questions about the MLK events happening at BC or how to get involved with events at a later time, please email Michael Yoon at asgsapo@bellevuecollege.edu. BC students looking to participate can meet at the BC roundabout at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15.