Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The accomplished life and legacy of the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson blossomed all over the campus as a celebrated Day of Service at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Under bright sunny skies on April 23, the day featured a variety of events and activities, which began with honor and devotion to the late distinguished alumnus, who served as the Student Government President and graduated as a member of the class of 1964. Featured speakers extolled Jackson’s social, political, spiritual and civil rights achievements throughout the day with many telling attendees to, “Go out and emulate Jesse Jackson.”
Soon after Jackson’s death last February, Chancellor James R. Martin II proclaimed the Day of Service, calling on the Aggie Nation to engage in meaningful acts of service, civic engagement and community uplift as a tribute to the late civil rights leader, who ran for U.S. Presidential in 1984 and in 1988. Throughout those campaigns, Jackson often declared as an act of uplifting and giving hope to people, the phrase, “I am somebody.”
Near the Reflecting Pool across from the Student Center, current students, alumni and guests assembled to receive insight and instruction, opening with the university’s Fellowship Gospel Choir singing, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.”
Featured speakers included Crystal Boyce ’07 and ’15, Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations; Dr. Velma R. Speight, ’53, an alumna and former chairperson of the A&T Board of Trustees, and alumnus Franklin McCain Jr. ’87, whose father Franklin McCain Sr. was a member of the A&T Four lunch counter sit-in participants (February 1, 1960). A tribute to the late Jackson was delivered by Ernest Woods III, a junior mechanical engineering major from the Greater Chicago area. Woods is also a member of the Mu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Jesse Jackson’s fraternity.
At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Boyce and Aggie the mascot led the A&T Drumline in a parade across campus.
A&T students, faculty, staff and alumni wore Day of Service commemorative t-shirts bearing Jackson’s likeness with a raised fist of solidarity. Participants volunteered with a variety of service projects on campus, such as stocking the Aggie Source Food Pantry, gardening with Habitat for Humanity’s “plant-to-pantry” initiative, and creating greeting cards for the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Family Success Center. A&T Alumni chapters across the country also hosted community service projects and initiatives in their own communities.
