Students celebrated diversity and honored the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. with a rally at the Memorial Union on Tuesday.
The event featured speeches by student group leaders from the Multicultural Student Center and the Black and African Coalition. A step dance group from Camelback High School performed, and organizations such as Students Taking Action to Reach Success and the Asian/Asian Pacific American Students Coalition, set up booths to recruit members. Sororities and fraternities were also represented.
At the rally's peak, about 50 people attended, along with numerous passers-by. They received free pizza and CDs.
Lisa Webber, a recreation management junior, came out to eat lunch and listen to the speakers.
"I thought it was very insightful, interesting and educational," she said.
Amanda Ho, a finance sophomore and president of the Asian/Asian Pacific American Students Coalition, set up a booth at the rally.
"I just wanted all of the students to know that there was a lot of diversity on campus and they should be aware of it," she said.
Najm Ahmad, president of the Black and African Coalition, helped organize the rally. He said he was surprised with the turnout.
"It was a good turnout. It was really diverse. I wanted a mixed group of people," Ahmad said. "I think they left with something other than free food."
Alanzo Jones, executive coordinator at the Multicultural Student Center, spoke about the life of King at the rally.
"Even though this man passed away 32 years ago, he spoke about a message that we are all interconnected. What affects one of us, directly affects all of us indirectly," Jones said. "If it wasn't for young students just like each and every one of you here deciding to make war with an unjust law, we would all be in a segregated existence today."
Journalism junior Kimara Blackman said she went to the rally to celebrate diversity.
"All I can do is be me," Blackman said. "I'm here and I'm African-American. I guess I want to do by example."
Sarah Lindstrom, a biology and sociology senior, spoke about the importance of service. Lindstrom is the recipient of ASU's Student Leader Award for her community service work with Camp Sparky, a program that benefits elementary schools with predominantly low-income populations.
"I think service is a huge part of our education here at ASU," Lindstrom said. "Don't let ASU be a 1-square-mile island where you live your college experience. Go out there and bring ASU to the community and let the community teach you."
Quinton Boyce, an ASU alumnus who spoke at the event, was pleased with the rally.
"I remember the celebration last year and the turnout wasn't as good as it was this year," he said. "As long as it gets better every year, I definitely think we are doing a good job."
Reach the reporter at meagan.pollnow@asu.edu.
