Mixed views on MLK Day observance

For the first time in its history, Penn kept its offices closed on Monday to honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. But some said the day only managed to generate a mixed reaction among the student body, although those who attended the commemorative events raved about the programs. "It was a step forward," United Minorities Council Co-Chair and College sophomore Iman Martin said. "I was impressed given the circumstances." A number of students said that the timing was less than convenient; many were still returning to campus or were busy getting settled throughout the day's events. The holiday, however, will not affect the start of classes again until 2006. In honor of the University's observance of MLK Day, a number of events -- from a candlelight vigil to a book drive at the Penn Bookstore -- were held at venues around campus. Wharton sophomore Brian Sim said he thought many students did not even notice the MLK events surrounding them as they moved back into their dorms. Sim said that the King events could have been "publicized better," and that more advertising might have increased participation. Sim was not the only student to regret the unfortunate timing. College senior Alex Moskowitz, a member of the Undergraduate Assembly, said that while Penn's new observance is a "step in the right direction," he said that there was "not a whole lot of publicity." And Tony Smith, a second-year Graduate School of Fine Arts student, said that he was not even aware that any events were happening on campus. He added, however, that the cause for observance is very appropriate. Others agreed with Smith's emphasis on the necessity of celebrating MLK Day. "I think it's about time," College senior and Latino Coalition spokesperson Randy Quezada said, referring to Penn closing its doors for the holiday. Quezada said that King's message of peace and helping others is one that should be expressed to the community, and added that American figures like Cesar Chavez and Malcolm X should be remembered and honored as well. But he criticized the event slightly, noting that designating specific days and months to remember leaders is limiting. Martin commented that, with a few more years and some "awesome programming," the University's observance of the holiday would skyrocket. Her own experience at the candlelight vigil, she said, was enlightening and memorable, and she added that she hoped King's message to "incite a want for activism and change" would one day be communicated to everyone. This can only be done if students "think about [King's] legacy everyday," she said.

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