EIU Media Relations

Martin Luther King Jr. March/Candlelight Vigil Set at EIU

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. March and Candlelight Vigil Monday, Jan. 15, on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a march from the Thomas Hall lobby to the Grand Ballroom, located in Eastern's MLK Jr. Union. The program there - scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. - will include comments from the Rev. William Bumphus III of Indiana; two selections sung by Eastern's Unity Gospel Choir; a short video on King's life; and an update from Chad Simmons, Alpha Phi Alpha's District of Illinois Director and Zeta Nu Chapter adviser, on the proposed MLK Jr. National Memorial to be built in Washington D.C.

A reception will follow.

Attendees need not participate in the march to attend the program, although Vantrell Ricks, president of the local Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, encourages all interested persons to participate if weather and health allow.

"We'd like to see at least 150 to 200 participants this year," he said. "I invite anyone - regardless of their background - to attend this event. It is our goal to promote a common vision."

Admission to the event is free, although donations will be accepted in support of the MLK Jr. National Memorial.