By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Oxford celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Oxford
Sonya Tinsley-Hook, keynote speaker, with Oxford College Dean Douglas Hick at a past Oxford College celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - photo by File Photo

OXFORD, Ga. — The Oxford College community gathered to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and mark the college’s 50th anniversary of African American graduates this week. 

mlk
MLK Interdenominational Choir at Oxford College's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. - photo by Kathy Hooks

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the historic Old Church on the edge of campus filled with students, faculty, alumni and supporters singing praise and sharing messages inspired by King’s legacy. This year’s keynote speaker was 1989 graduate Sonya Tinsley-Hook, who served as Student Government President and participated in the college’s first Leadership Oxford class.

“In some of his final writings before his death, Martin Luther King Jr. likened our situation as human beings to living in a world house, in which, because we can never again live apart, we must learn some how to live with each other in peace,” Tinsley-Hook said. “Now these words have become much more true and urgent than when he wrote them in 1967. Can you imagine what he would think now of the urgency of this moment?”

Much like Dr. King, Tinsley-Hook has dedicated her life to helping people become “strengths champions” in their own schools, families, neighborhoods and organizations to encourage well-being, resilience and a sense of community in the world. 

Following Tinsley-Hook’s presentation, 40 members of the MLK Interdenominational Choir took the stage to lead the audience in praise. Also included in this year’s event were performances by the Oxford College gospel choir and the college’s a cappella group Oxappella.