Ledger

Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News

Carl Mack's (left) words inspired and moved many, including Sharon Parker of UWT's Diversity Resource Center.

Carl Mack moves the audience at the MLK Unity Breakfast.

Tacoma native Crystal Aiken and Wil Johnson pose for the camera

Over 200 people attended the Unity Breakfast hosted by the BSU.

The University of Washington Tacoma and the Black Student Union hosted their second annual Unity Breakfast Jan. 21 in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life, and some feel not only was it a success, but a morning they will never forget.

As the nation observed a federal holiday, more than 200 students, city officials, school officials and citizens honored Dr. King at the Longshoremen's Hall.

"My favorite part of the Unity Breakfast was Carl Mack's speech," JeLisa Marshall, Black Student Union president said. "It was so moving. He was brutally honest, which I admire."

Carl Mack, the keynote speaker at the event, is the executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers and former NAACP Seattle-King County branch leader.
"The power in his voice sent chills up my spine," Marshall said.

Marshall's experience was shared by many.
"The keynote speaker and singer were both dynamic and delivered messages which inspired and shook the soul," Wil Johnson, president of the associated students of UWT said.

Mack spoke about racism and how racism is still evident in today's society.
"One thing that stuck with me from Carl Mack's speech was his repetition of Rev. Dr. King's phrase, 'the drum major instinct'-man's desire to 'lead the parade'and be the first, the foundation of which discrimination is built," Marshall said.
The Divine Providence Choir of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Tacoma opened the ceremony. Sharon Parker, UWT's assistant chancellor for equity and diversity, was the master of ceremonies.

Tacoma native Crystal Aiken, recent winner of BET's gospel show "Sunday Best," blessed the breakfast with two solo songs that lifted everyone out of their seats and sent chills up and down arms.

Speaker Ed Ware, Milgard School of Business Class of 2000, gave an inspirational speech about the difficulties of reaching goals and the satisfaction that one gains upon reaching them.

Plenty of city officials and government representatives were in attendance including City of Tacoma council members Marilyn Strickland, Jake Fey and Lauren Walker.
"I did hear from a community leader that this was one of the best events he had ever seen to honor the life of Dr. King," Johnson said.

Marshall believes the Unity Breakfast accomplished what they hoped for, "building a vision of a true community."

Marshall said that to retell what happened would not be the same as being there and that a student should try to experience it because she could "guarantee that you would have been moved."

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