Former Gov. urges students to reach for their dreams

First African-American Gov. honors MLK's legacy in speech

Dave Kim / staff photographer Former Va. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder spoke to a full house in Wilson Hall Monday night, closing out the week's events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Wilder, the first elected American-American governor in U.S. history, followed the week's theme of "Dare to dream."

Charging JMU students to take whatever chances necessary to fulfill their dreams, the first zelected African-American governor in U.S. history concluded this year's tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Monday night.

Sponsored by the Center for Multicultural/Inter-national Student Services, former Va. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder spoke as a prominent African-American in Virginia history and challenged the Wilson Hall crowd to "Dare to dream," this year's MLK celebration theme.

After speaking at JMU's May commencement 10 years ago, Wilder returned to campus to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. "He (MLK) was able to transcend the elite and the left-out," Wilder said. "He was able to blend into orchestration the ability to work together. And this was his legacy."

In 1990, Wilder became the first elected African-American governor in U.S. history. He entered politics as a state senator in 1969. He also successfully fought for Virginia to become the first state to adopt an official holiday for King.
"I worked for eight years in Virginia to get a holiday for Dr. King," Wilder said. "Virginia was the first state in the nation to have a legislatively decreed holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King. We did it first in Virginia."

Wilder encouraged the crowd to follow after the determined leadership of King. "The very things he was fighting for people to enjoy, he never enjoyed," Wilder said. "Don't believe it can't be done, because it can be done."

Wilder said, "Times never change. People change. We are not the people we were 100 years ago. Let us not wait for another Martin Luther King to come. Let us do what we need to do for future generations."

Wilder specifically recommended that JMU students help future generations by going out into the world and taking "the respective leadership roles in the community. The tools for gathering it are here," he said. "This is an exciting time to be alive. Be a part of leadership. Be a part of moving ahead."

Wilder said he personally does not believe that King's dream has come true yet. "Eternal vigilance and steadfastness are the order of the day," he said.

Wilder said he hoped students left the program "with a renewed inspiration."

In addition to Wilder's keynote address, the 15th annual celebration included a performance by the Contemporary Gospel Singers and a candle-lighting ceremony while a MLK sermon played over the speakers.

A handful of JMU figures spoke as well.

Arthur Dean, assistant director of the Office of Admissions, said, "Connect with him tonight. Allow his dream to burn within your hearts."

Zephia Bryant, assistant director of CMISS, challenged the crowd "to use the time allotted to them wisely, to make a difference to join us in daring to dream."

Bryant said that while King only lived 39 short years, it is "long enough to visit the mountain top. It's certainly long enough to have a dream."

Many students found the MLK celebration enlightening.

"What amazed me most about Dr. King was the strength that came from his relationship with God," said sophomore Michael Tinsley, director of Contemporary Gospel Singers. "His relationship inspired me in my own walk with God."

Sophomore Robert Krause, also a member of CGS, said, "Governor Wilder spoke directly to the problem at hand. We, as Americans, are big dreamers, but have not figured out how to turn those beautiful dreams into action.

"We need to dare to prepare what we have dreamed about and step out of our comfort zones in order to make a difference as a family of Americans," Krause said.