HONOLULU—On Monday morning, January 18, the 22nd annual Martin Luther King Day parade began as participants slowly made their way through the streets to Kapiolani Park. In the midst of the march were BYU–Hawaii volunteers—students representing their school clubs and home countries of Africa, Samoa, the Philippines, Tonga, Tahiti, Japan, Fiji, Mongolia, and Indonesia. Whether in cultural garb or donning tee shirts with the 'Peace by Piece' slogan of the current BYUHSA presidency, these students personified Dr. King's statement of, "I have a dream that one day … little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers" (http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html).
While marching, student participants sang Called to Serve, Love One Another, and greeted onlookers in their various languages, garnering applause from the crowd. Adding to their unique mix were flags and banners that showcased the values and mission at BYU–Hawaii.
Now, over fifty years later, Dr. Martin Luther King's vision for equality is embedded in the American conscience and celebrated around the country. The end result of his peaceful demonstrations, iconic I Have a Dream speech, and riveting Letter from Birmingham Jail response to clergymen from a jail cell in Alabama is manifested in a modern, culturally diverse society. BYU–Hawaii was proud to participate in this celebration of equality and diversity.
--Photos courtesy of Alma Fonua