Spring Break
Inauguration with Peace Breakfast
Breakfast included an essay contest announcement in which the winner would receive a year's worth of tuition
Bridget Riley
Issue date: 1/20/09 Section: News
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OSU was recently honored with a diversity award and embraced the day. Many events were held to commemorate former Nobel Peace Prize winner, Martin Luther King, Jr. Festivities began with the 27th Annual Peace Breakfast, held in the MU Ballroom. Unlike past events, this year's celebration was complemented by this morning's inauguration.
Today, in the United States' 56th quadrennial Presidential Inauguration, America is reminded of its past and of its journey.
The Annual Peace Breakfast was full of life and hope as it looked from the man who fought for justice four decades ago to our first African American President.
At the breakfast, an introduction speech was given by OSU's President Ed Ray. He admitted that though the nation has come a long way, the U.S. still has a long way to go, and he urged people to continue working toward change.
With reference to the holiday and its significance to this last election, President Ray said it was "a time for thoughtful reflection, celebration and sober assessment of the challenges we face in realizing the promise of this nation".
Following his speech, the Phyllis S. Lee award and the Frances Dancy Hooks Award were given to faculty, students and members of the community who have put forth great effort in moving our society toward equality.
The award ceremony was followed with a musical performance by Jan Michael Looking Wolf Reibach. A Calapooia native with Irish, Welch and Jewish decent, he also spoke of unity and some of the struggles he has faced dealing with cultural differences. Reibach illustrated his views on unity through a native poem he recited, "Creator, I ask that you look in on my family and my house. I ask that you look over Mother Earth and treat her in a good way and I ask that our people can walk with one heart, together."
After Reibach's performances, a panel of three students took questions from the audience.
When asked to talk about similarities between MLK, Jr. and Barack Obama, student Kalvin Foley referred to a quote hanging on a tapestry in the Ballroom, "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope," explaining that it was a common view between the leaders.
Toward the end of the Peace Breakfast, the atmosphere - which had started off light - had progressed to a more contemplative nature. The audience was moved during Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, passionately delivered by LaVerne Woods.
A huge turnout was present for this breakfast to commemorate a civil rights leader and a historic moment in the nation's history, as President Barack Obama is officially inaugurated into the Presidency today.
Bridget Riley, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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