In Phoenix Arizona each year on the observed birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., citizens gather at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to begin a ceremonial march to honor Dr. King’s memory.   The march ends at Margret T. Hance Park.  Chancellor Glasper and his wife Debra participated in the march.  They had to leave immediately after reaching the park for another MLK program engagement at the Paradise Valley Town Hall.

The end of the march signals the beginning of a day long festival celebration.   In addition to attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival at the park this year, students and staff of MCCCD hosted an information table.   Volunteer Students from the Black Student Union Organizations of Phoenix College, Estrella Mountain Community College and Chandler Gilbert Community College distributed admission and financial material to the crowds representing all Ten Maricopa Colleges and the two Skill Centers.  Also on hand were staff members representing the Student Orientation And Recruitment Council (SOAR Council) and the Financial Aid Council (FAC). While the Chancellor could not attend the festival,  his strategic vision of ‘One Maricopa’ was present.

Multiple objectives were accomplished at this event.  First, local residents were reminded that MCCCD has a college in their respective communities.  Secondly, students from the BSU’s demonstrated their leadership skills and collaborated with their counterparts from their sister colleges.  Staff was on hand for those who needed expert advice. 

Through this collective effort a small but powerful impact was made both externally and internally.  Below is a list of students and staff who contributed to the day’s activity and success.

Students:       

Chantel Hardy from PC
Jemrola Aluko, Diana Bailey, De’ondre Charles, Sean Collins,
Christopher Esteen, Larry Wilson, Annette Wilson from EMCC
Madelson Raymond from CGCC

Staff:  

Brenton Cheeks, Rody Randon, and Spring Turner from PC
Daniel Meador and Austin Shepard from EMCC
Ken Clarke from PVCC

Article submitted by Ken Clarke, PVCC