Community members from Mount Vernon and Knox County convened on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) for the annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration. The event was sponsored by MVNU, Kenyon College, and the Knox County Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Committee.

"While it is easy for us to feel discouraged about the negative things that are happening in our society today, we can find hope in the good things that are happening. Those good things are happening here on this campus, in our local community, and at Kenyon College — people are making a difference and caring and loving for each other," said Carson Castleman, President of MVNU, according to an MVNU press release. "And that my friends, is what will make a difference in this world,"

The theme of the celebration was "Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This phrase was inspired by a quote from Dr. King’s "I Have Dream" speech and also served as inspiration for the King Memorial, which embodies this metaphorical mountain and stone, according to the MVNU press release.

"This is an incredibly difficult moment in the world and on college campuses. At times like this, I believe it is truly important that we remember Dr. King and the non-violent movement he amassed — a cross-cultural, cross-partisan movement that brought people together rather than driving them apart," stated Julie Kornfeld, President of Kenyon College, as per the MVNU press release.

According to Bishop Edward T. Cook - keynote speaker at the event - Dr. King's message delivered 60 years ago during the March on Washington remains one of America's most impactful moments in history. Cook serves as bishop of Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and has been pastor of New Life Church of God in Christ for 30 years. He suggested that King's call for unity should be examined through the lens of its relevance in 2024.

"It is never more needed than it is today. As we gaze out upon our world, what we see is absolutely frightening," Cook said, according to the MVNU press release. "Every level of social existence and experience screams out of control, no boundaries and utter chaos. Many in today’s society are literally drowning in despair."