About 40 people shared stories about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has affected their lives during a commemorative service in the UNM Alumni Chapel Tuesday.
African American Studies sponsored the service, which marked King's 73rd birthday.
Sherri Burr, law professor, was the first to speak at the hour-long service, which was mostly filled with faculty and staff. She gave a brief history of King's life and accomplishments before discussing what he may have thought of the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Dr. King would have condemned the terrorist attacks on Americans but he would have also condemned the war in Afghanistan," Burr said. "He believed war is just another form of violence and he was against all violence."
Burr also spoke of a need for more African American leaders in the University community.
"In UNM's 113 years, never has there been a black that has held the position of dean or higher and there are very few leadership roles," Burr said. "UNM is not unique in this regard. This universal inability of universities to appoint blacks into leadership roles indicates an area of King's dream that has yet to be realized."
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Kirsten Buick, art professor, said she grew up with images of King on her wall. She discussed ways for students to remember him.
"On Monday, students should meditate and acknowledge this holiday," Buick said. "They should read his speeches and reflect on the man who is responsible for changing America."
Jocelyn Gamble-Mims, an African American Student Services staff member who helped organize the ceremony, said people of all nationalities should reflect on King's legacy.
"His birthday is so important because we get the chance to focus on what Dr. King focused on, what his dreams were and why they were so important," she said.
Robbie Price, one of a few students who attended the event, said he was pleased with the event.
"I wanted to attend this ceremony because I wanted to pay my respects to a man who caused a lot of change in America and opened people's eyes to prejudices and the unfair treatment of African Americans," Price said.
UNM will be closed Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
