ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Students, staff, faculty and community members took part in this year’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. vigil.
The ceremony began with performances by students, setting the tone for keynote speaker Dr. Terrell Strayhorn.
“I was most impressed by the energy that was in the room,” Strayhorn said.
Strayhorn has authored nearly a dozen books and said it’s important all communities are represented within literature.
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“We have to have legislation that is passed that protects the rights of people’s liberties. Not just rights to life and to bear arms and to vote, but the right to have the book in the library in your kids’ school,” Strayhorn said. “There are a lot of issues on the table that masquerade as if they are objective, when they are really just shrouded opinions that are extremely divisive. Many times they are also homophobic, sexist, ableist.”
After hearing the student’s questions and concerns, he emphasized the need for young people to remain optimistic.
“I also hope you will practice self-care and take time for ourselves,” Strayhorn said.
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