By Hazel Scott/ASU
On a bright morning at Alabama State University’s Vivian DeShields Auditorium, the campus buzzed with excitement. It was the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, part of the University’s L.E.A.D. Speaker Series. Students, faculty, and community members gathered to honor Dr. King’s legacy and hear from a remarkable keynote speaker: Pastor Cameron D. Jenkins, an ASU alumnus known for his dedication to youth and community leadership.
The event opened with inspiring moments. Children from Valiant Cross Elementary School and the Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center captivated the audience with lively presentations. Then, dancers from Booker T. Washington Magnet High School took the stage, their movements echoing the spirit of hope and determination. A stirring excerpt from MLK’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech reminded everyone of the power of dreams fueled by courage. Two students were honored with $500 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships, symbolizing ASU’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
When Pastor Jenkins began his speech, titled “Faith in Action and Purpose in Motion,” the room fell silent. He spoke passionately about how Dr. King taught us that faith is not just belief but a call to brave action. Jenkins explained that faith must move forward with purpose, pushing us toward justice and change.
“Faith calls us to more than words,” he said. “It calls us to love, service, justice, and action.”
As the convocation came to a close, Jenkins challenged everyone “to keep King’s dream alive by turning faith into action, ensuring that hope never loses its momentum.”
Faith truly took flight during the event — reminding those who attended that justice and change are born when belief moves into brave, meaningful motion.