Dear Jackson State University Community,
This Friday, I invite you to join us at the historic M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge at 9 a.m. to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the nation’s greatest champions of the Civil Rights Movement. We are grateful to the Prince Hall Masons for hosting our annual convocation in the place where Dr. King once spoke. If you have never been inside those hallowed halls, this will be an occasion to walk through history that you will not want to miss.
When Dr. King was approached to preside over the Montgomery Bus Boycott at the youthful age of 25, he did not hesitate to accept the call to lead. He boldly welcomed the role because he sought to serve, and he would be remiss to pass up an opportunity to do so. Dr. King’s example should inspire each of us to pursue our life’s mission without delay. His life demonstrates that leadership has no age requirement.
In only 39 years of life, Dr. King managed to leave behind a legacy that we still celebrate today, 55 years after his death. We honor the inspirational words of his sermons and speeches that still ring true to this day. We honor his bravery and his message of nonviolence as a means to unify our country around peaceful, equitable solutions. We honor his commitment to social justice that renews our own desire to be the change we want to see.
As we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us celebrate his legacy by making haste to pursue our purpose in life. No matter our age, ethnicity or gender; no matter our knowledge or our experience, the time to act, to lead, and to serve is always right now. Our society cannot afford to wait for the change only we can bring.
I look forward to your presence at the annual MLK Convocation on Friday.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. Hudson, J.D.
President