Three Louisiana Colleges Unite for MLK Legacy Celebration

Three Baton Rouge universities just showed what happens when rivals choose unity over division.

LSU, Southern University, and Baton Rouge Community College came together Thursday at BRCC's campus for their annual MLK Unity Celebration. The event, which rotates between the three schools each year, honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through speeches, student recognition, and a formal commitment to collaboration.

The celebration opened with alumnus Dexter Jackson singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," with lyrics printed on programs so everyone could join in. It set the tone for an afternoon focused on hope and partnership.

Adonica Pelichet Duggan, CEO of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, delivered the keynote speech centered on this year's theme: "Champions of Change." She reminded the crowd that schools have always been places where people choose hope, even during slavery, war, segregation, and disaster.

"Even in humanity's darkest chapters, schools and universities have been places where people chose hope anyway," Duggan said. Her message emphasized that real change requires moral courage, proven strategies, and refusing to give up on young people.

Leaders from each university then signed a unity statement, promising to create engaging educational experiences for all students regardless of their differences. Student body presidents from each school read the commitment aloud, pledging to continue Dr. King's vision by working together.

The Ripple Effect

The real power of the event showed in recognizing students already living out Dr. King's legacy. Each school presented an Unsung Hero Award to a student demonstrating exceptional service and leadership.

LSU honored Jalen West, a political science junior who works with the LSU Pre-College Program and the Collegiate 100. West helps younger students access higher education, creating pathways for the next generation.

"I'm just honored to have my work with younger students getting them into higher education recognized," West said. His humility captured the spirit of the entire celebration.

The evening closed with a dinner reception where attendees from all three universities mingled and shared laughs. Southern University will host next year's celebration, continuing the tradition of bringing Baton Rouge's academic community together.

In a world that often emphasizes division, these three schools are writing a different story.