On Thursday, January 11, 2006, Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) celebrated the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of events devoted to his life and work. Vera Joiner, BSCTC director of student services, and Bernadette Tiapo, BSCTC director of cultural diversity, organized the day events on the BSCTC Prestonsburg campus.

The commemoration began at 10:50 a.m. with Round Table Discussions in the BSCTC Student Center Atrium. Dr. Thomas Matijasic, BSCTC history professor, began the discussion entitled, “Economic Justice.” Guest speakers included, Jessica Hayes and Reverend John Rausch. Bernadette Tiapo, BSCTC cultural diversity director, followed with a discussion entitled, “I Have a Dream.” The pinnacle ceremony entitled, “A Day of Reflection” followed in the BSCTC Gearheart Auditorium at 12:30. BSCTC President, Dr. George Edwards and Provost, Dr. Nancy Johnson presided over the event. Jean Dorton, BSCTC community liaison, introduced guest speaker, Erwin Roberts of Frost, Brown and Todd, LLC. Mr. Roberts intrigued the audience with a summation of what Dr. King’s work meant to him and how far society had matured toward acceptance and appreciation of all cultures, beliefs and ideas. Susan Scott of the Big Sandy Singers provided inspirational music including a beautiful rendition of “Some Where over the Rainbow.” Miss Marla D. King of Spirit of the Word Ministries, Washington, D.C. displayed her talents with a powerful and intense spiritual dance which left the audience captivated. Dewanda Green, BSCTC political science instructor, provided a PowerPoint presentation entitled, “A Reflection of the King’s Journey,” while David Profitt, BSCTC instructor of philosophy and religion, drew the ceremony to a close with a speech entitled, “King as a Philosopher.” Dr. Nancy Johnson closed the event with a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

More information about this event may be obtained by contacting Vera Joiner, BSCTC director of student services, at 606-886-3863, ext. 64789 or e-mail: vera.joiner@kctcs.edu. Information may also be obtained by contacting Bernadette Tiapo, BSCTC director of cultural diversity, at 606-886-3863, ext. 67374 or e-mail: BTIAPO0001@kctcs.edu