Elizabeth City, N.C. — “When we get down these rows and make these turns, you’re marching for those students who are going to come behind you, just like Dr. King, Medgar Evers and so many others did in the Civil Rights Movement.” With this rallying cry from Keith Rivers, president of the Pasquotank County branch of the NAACP and Rev. Timothy Stallings leading the way, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) took tribute and tradition to the streets and transformed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into a day of marching, music and messages of justice.
The day’s events began at 11 a.m. with a march across campus. Starting at the Gilchrist Education & Psychology Building, students, faculty, and community members joined with steps echoing the strides of civil rights leaders who paved the way for justice and equality. With songs from the 1960s movement, such as “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round,” the crowd of approximately 100 continued through Viking land despite the cold.
The march concluded at the Ridley Student Center with celebration and dialogue. The ECSU University Choir, under the direction of Walter Swan, director of choral activities, set the tone with soul-stirring renditions of gospel and freedom songs. Their harmonies brought the spirit of the civil rights movement to life and reminded attendees of the power of music in uniting communities.
Kirk Rivers, mayor of Elizabeth City, stated that although he was there as the mayor, his presence was to challenge. “I want to challenge you to continue to do things when you see injustice. Fight for justice. When you see things that are going wrong, step in. Don’t be a part of the problem; be a part of the solution,” Rivers said.
The program also featured a panel discussion with attorneys Ashley Mitchell and Kiana Rivers, who shared their insights on social justice, community service and education. Students engaged in a Q&A session and asked questions. Attorney Mitchell delivered a standout message, urging the audience to prioritize lifelong learning. “They can strip things out of books or off the internet, but they can’t take knowledge and information from your brain.” Her words told of the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and resilience.
Meanwhile, the second floor of the Ridley Student Center hosted interactive stations where participants explored Dr. King’s legacy and reflected on how they could contribute to social change in their own lives. The program also celebrated community partnerships with organizations like Black Voters Matter, the NAACP, and North Carolina HBCU Give Back.
Attendees were rewarded with inspiration, free food and tickets to the highly anticipated Border Clash Basketball Tournament. Those who stayed for the entirety of the event left with more than just tickets but also with renewed purpose and a deeper commitment to advancing King’s dream.
As the day came to a close, the echoes of the choir, the wisdom of the panelists, and the unified steps of the marchers lingered. ECSU reminded the community that celebrating King’s legacy is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward.
“Each of us has a voice, and that voice can be used to create change,” said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. “Through service, advocacy and education, we honor the legacies of these visionary leaders and create a better, stronger future for all.”
ECSU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration showed that the dream is alive and marching on.