Women’s College focuses on theme of ‘United Front’ at annual MLK Jr. Convocation

Students react to performances during the 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on Thursday
Victor Wilson speaks during the Brenau University Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation.
Keynote speaker Victor Wilson, vice president of student affairs at the University of Georgia, speaks during the Brenau University Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

The 2019 winter convocation in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day was held Thursday, Jan. 17, in Pearce Auditorium, a program which keynote speaker Victor Wilson called “powerful.”

Wilson is vice president of student affairs at the University of Georgia. He spoke at the convocation, which is an annual tradition within the Women’s College of Brenau University that focuses on the legacy and lessons of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2019 convocation celebrated that legacy with performances from the Brenau University Gospel Choir and the Brenau University Dance Department.

“To the performers, thank you for sharing your gifts,” Wilson said. “I think that’s one of the things that’s so incredibly important today — people sharing their gifts. I was thinking of how to sum it up in one word, and that word was powerful.”

The convocation’s theme, “United Front,” was chosen to encourage students to let their diversity be their strength while working together for a better world.

Amanda Lammers, vice president of student services, shared a story with the students from her own grandfather, who once recalled his father’s regular acts of kindness to the African-American men he hired to work on his farm. Decades later, Lammers said, those acts of kindness still resonate with his great-granddaughter.

“I want to remind you that no act of kindness, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is lost,” Lammers said. “Every single act of kindness, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can withstand the test of time.”

Wilson, who said he was thrilled to share a part of his story while reflecting on King’s life, described the theme as “showing up” for others.

“The only solutions that will truly endure are those that we earn as one,” he said. “Dr. King knew this: We are one.”