BSU president doing her part for MLK Jr. Day

This year, Heidelberg is bringing renewed and bigger meaning to its observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the campus community participating in learning/development and service activities throughout the day.

In the larger Tiffin-Seneca County community, Heidelberg’s presence will be seen and felt throughout the day, especially at the Community Celebration: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday night. It’s open to everyone.

Junior Ayanna Hayes, who is the president of the Black Student Union this year, will be serving as a co-emcee for the celebration, along with a student from Tiffin University. “I’m definitely so excited,” she says. “I’m excited to see what the outcome will be and see how our input is being implemented in the program.”

Ayanna is just one of a number of Heidelberg students, faculty and staff members who have participated in the planning of the Community Celebration. She joined the planning committee about three months ago to represent the perspectives of the Black Student Union and diverse students in general.

Also serving on the Tiffin/Seneca MLK Jr. Day Committee were Paul Stark, representing Heidelberg, and Shaun Gunnell and Douglas Stoll, representing the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Additionally, the Heidelberg University Concert Choir will provide entertainment with a performance at the evening program.

Ayana gets the importance of the involvement and visibility of diverse students in this day and beyond, and their connection to Dr. King’s dream.

The planning committee “really listened” when Ayanna, on behalf of BSU, suggested some changes to the program. In addition to her emcee duties, she also rallied BSU members to attend the event. “I definitely wanted to make sure I have all the BSU members there. We have more people on board this year with about 11 people,” she said.

It’ll be a meaningful event and a chance to reinforce Dr. King’s dream.

“Dr. King’s dream is still a good dream,” Ayanna said. “We are not there yet, but it is achievable. We can’t keep the dream alive all by ourselves.”

She’s definitely doing her part.

The Community Celebration begins with a dinner, followed by the program beginning at 7:15 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 75 N. Sandusky St. The featured speaker is Jason Daniels, a consultant for philanthropy and management. Additionally, the annual Peacemaker Awards will be presented during the program.