Celebration expresses 'True Freedom'

By Megan Finnerty
Features Editor

On Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, racism and oppression are rarely overtly expressed. But oppression can be subtle.

As a former residence hall counselor, Derrick Williams of Hope Ministries sometimes helped minority students deal with the effects of going to school on an overwhelmingly Caucasian campus.

"It's common to hear from not only African Americans, but also Asian and other students, that assimilation is so strong here that people do feel oppressed," he said. "At the same time it's subtle. To the average person, because it doesn't effect them, it doesn’t exist. But from the standpoint of human rights, it exists, and it effects everyone."

That is why Williams decided to become involved in something to unite students, faculty, staff and community members in the name of freedom.

The Martin Luther King Musical Celebration "True Freedom" will express the idea of "True Freedom" through the eyes of the black experience at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in Loeb Playhouse.

"I think programs like this can help us understand what true freedom is and help us meet on an even plane," Williams said. "I don't think everyone understands what we mean when subjects like diversity come up, but I think it's times like these when we can bring everyone together to be a part of a common theme."

In its fifth year, the celebration has grown to include performances from the MLK Mass Choir, the Jahari Dance Troupe, recording artists Liz and Fred Manns, the PMO Express and a keynote speech from President Martin Jischke.

"True freedom is an ideal that we all must work towards, and this day of celebration is a reminder of a goal we still have to achieve," Jischke said.

The first celebration filled Fowler Hall, at the second, organizers turned away more than 300 people and since then, it’s been filling Loeb Playhouse regularly. Last year, a racially diverse mix of 800 people sang and clapped for King’s message, and organizers expect many more this year.

The evening starts off "really hype," Williams said, with the MLK Mass Choir, followed by the PMO Express and the Jahari Dance Troupe.

After those performances, the program will begin, covering the black experience from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

The Manns, a part of We Are One Ministries, will follow the first section of the evening, singing several songs.

"Liz will be singing a piece with MLK Mass Choir called ‘No More Weeping’ and I have seen people singing along, tears rolling down their cheeks," Williams said. "It's very emotional, very moving."

The evening will culminate when all the performers gather on stage to sing a "fast-pace, foot-stomping, driving" closing song about deliverance.

"Freedom is deliverance from oppression," Williams said.

Hope Ministries wants people to be inspired with the notion of what true freedom means and that freedom is a gift to be shared.

"We tend to have paradigms that limit us from being open, and I'm hoping programs like this help understanding grow," Williams said.

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