Austin Community College District (ACC) joined the citywide celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this past week. Hosted in partnership with the Austin Area Heritage Council (AAHC), this year’s events saw record attendance, youth performances, and community engagement.
Here is a look at how ACC celebrated Dr. King’s legacy.
Thursday: Young Voices Shine at Highland
The festivities kicked off on Thursday at the Highland Campus with the annual MLK Oratory Competition. Held in the Truth, Community Healing & Transformation Center, attendance increased significantly from previous years, with an audience of around 150 people gathering to support the competitors.
Young scholars were invited to write and present original speeches—some entirely from memory—competing for prizes and the opportunity to share their voices. ACC Police Chief Gizette Disher served as the event’s keynote speaker.
The spotlight, however, belonged to the students. Queen Williams, a 4th grader from Austin ISD’s Campbell Elementary, took home 1st place. Her performance earned her an invitation to read her piece at the MLK Scholarship ceremony on Saturday and again at the MLK March on Monday.
View Photos from the competition in this Google Photos album.
Monday: A Massive Turnout at Huston-Tillotson
On Monday, January 19, the celebration moved to Huston-Tillotson University for the annual MLK Day Festival. Aided by beautiful weather and a highly engaged community, this year’s festival turnout topped previous records.
Once the marchers arrived at the university, the courtyard was elbow-to-elbow. ACC secured a prime location in the center to visit with community members nonstop throughout the afternoon.
The ACC booth was staffed by Kayla Oldham and Darrel Merriweather, representing Recruitment and Advising, respectively. The team distributed numerous fliers for the upcoming Health Sciences Open House and had hundreds of conversations about the ACC Free Tuition Pilot Program.
We were also honored to receive visits from local leaders, including ACC Trustee Gigi Edwards Bryant and State Representative Donna Howard.