Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons urged Mississippi Valley State University students to be a “catalyst for change” Thursday during the Martin Luther King Jr./Black History Convocation.
Simmons is Greenville’s second black mayor and its first black male mayor. He was elected in 2015 with the highest percentage of popular vote — 74 percent — in Greenville’s history.
Simmons told students the blueprint for change in America was already drafted by “the young, brilliant mind” of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others who have followed in his footsteps, including President Barack Obama.
“It’s on you, young people, to be agents of change,” Simmons said. “The highest achievers are always open to change, to using new techniques to solve a problem.”
And though King warned that “failure is not an option” in the historic and ongoing movement for equality and opportunity, Simmons acknowledged there would be obstacles and failures along the way, drawing examples from successful people who experienced early setbacks.
“Expect opposition,” he said, “but have the mindset to endure and overcome the obstacles. Be prepared to fight for what you want.”
The ceremony at the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium included music as well as inspirational speaking.
The University Choir, led by director Dr. John Weiss, performed an Arnold Sevier arrangement of the traditional hymn “Precious Lord,” a choral arrangement by Bob Chilcott of the U2 song “MLK,” and a singalong with the audience of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Soloists were tenors Justance Stewart and Geoffrey Dugger-Griggs.
Carvice Johnson of Charleston recited King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from 1963, drawing an ovation from the crowd.
• Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
