A dream come true
In many small, college towns across America there is a gap between the local community and the college, such is true in Milledgeville.
Many GCSU students are only temporary residents and most have very little interest in getting to know the locals. Most locals, in turn, have no real interest in consorting with the college students that overrun their small town every fall. This year the attempt at bringing the two together was made at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Monday, Jan. 21.
This year’s theme was "Bridging the Gap." GCSU’s Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, Hands on Milledgeville, and members of the Milledgeville community organized the daylong event at Huley Park.
Nadirah Ross, diversity program coordinator for GCSU’s Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity played a big part in the event.
"It’s more than just a celebration, it’s an opportunity for Georgia College to come together with the Baldwin county community and work toward social justice," Ross said.
While many use the holiday as a break from school or work, to sleep-in or spend time with friends, a large part Milledgeville’s black community spent their day at Huley Park, despite the biting cold. As the King’s speech played over amps in the background, the voices of a long-oppressed people were joined in laughter and song over fried catfish and hot dogs.
A live DJ spun the latest hip-hop as the younger generations danced. Children played in large, colorful Crayola Crayon moonwalks and the elderly sat watching through smiling eyes.
Walking among them Monday, one could never conceive the struggles some have had to overcome in their lives. GCSU’s Black Association of Nursing Students, BANS, set up a booth selling cookies and taking blood pressure as well as donations. Milledgeville’s Alumna Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Business Legacy Group had booths set up selling soul food and home-baked goods.
Prestigious members of Milledgeville society were in attendance including former mayor Floyd Griffin as well as President of Baldwin County’s Southern Christian Leadership Coalition, George Hogan Sr.
In the midst of all the fun, where were GCSU students?
Nicole Bello, GCSU nursing major and member of BANS, expressed her concern at the lack of fellow students.
"Besides the school of Diversity and us, I haven’t seen very many Georgia College students," Bello said. "I think this is a great experience. It’s really just hanging out and learning what this day means."
The invitation does not only extend itself to African American students but to students of Hispanic, Caucasian and Asian races as well. Even the 125 international students who, for now, call GCSU home are invited.
"This year’s celebration was about bridging the gap. If anybody wants to come they are welcome to come and participate," Hogan said.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Jan 25 2008. Filed under News.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
