Students honor Dr. King's legacy
Volunteers offer their time and services to Detroit
Neda Farooqi
Issue date: 1/17/06 Section: News
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A total of 300 UM-D students participated in different services. Nineteen areas were set up for cleanup, alteration or improvement for the people of Detroit.
The Motor City Blight Busters drew the largest crowd of volunteers.
Blight Busters is a non- profit organization whose goal is to revitalize Detroit. Members of Blight Busters help low income families buy homes, restore abandon homes and distribute food to the needy.
"We have always celebrated diversity here and it is great to see everyone thanking and honoring the King's day," said John George, president of Blight Busters.
The day started out with a welcoming note from George as he stood on a bench in Peace Park, which once was a crack house.
Peace Park was originated by Blight Busters and symbolizes peace and harmony. A pole with the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in four different languages, placed in the center of the park was brought to attention.
Various organizations such as the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and Change for Change collaborated to refurbish the outdoor area surrounding Blight Busters.
"MLK really left his mark even today and influences us in our community," said Tom Lewis, Student Government vice president and member of Delta Sigma Phi.
Rakes and shovels were passed out to collect debris and trash off the streets. Students fixed up the area around the Martin Luther King, Jr. mural as others drew paintings to be hung around Blight Busters.
"I feel very proud MSA is helping out the community and showing our service to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," said Adnahn Humayun, member of MSA.
Participants bowed their heads in a moment of silence and took pictures in front of the giant wall painting dedicated to MLK, Jr. that states "We Shall Overcome."
"This is a place for everyone of any age, race or religion," said George.
Many students were involved in painting pictures at the Artist Village, located across from Blight Busters, where MLK's famous speech was blaring through speakers. The purpose of these paintings is to convey a moral message and will be hung in places with negative signs and symbols.
Artist Village is filled with paintings that honor famous people that have made a positive difference such as Rosa Parks. "Tribute is a great thing that helps us remind us of our past," said George.
The Artist Village also hosts workshops for kids to express their talent and keep them off the street. "Flowers attract bees and colors attract children so if we can send great messages through color then we have accomplished our goal," said Charles Miller, founder of the Artist Village.
Staff and students were also working in areas such as the Ronald McDonald House, Vista Maria and The Lincoln Center. Students were engaged in washing windows at Vista Maria and building wooden shelves for the girls' dormitory.
"It's nice getting to know people of different cultures and faiths working in such a great cause," said Kristen All, a member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.