Feature Story

January 30, 2014 | By Ohio Wesleyan University

Be the Difference That Makes the Difference

“A community doesn’t just happen; it must be built.”

Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Episcopal Leader of the Ohio West Area of the United Methodist Church, spoke to the more than 300 members of the Ohio Wesleyan, Delaware, and surrounding communities at the 21st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast on January 20 in the Benes Rooms of the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center.

“We must get to know one another better than we do today,” said Palmer, asking how often we take the time to build relationships, rather than knowing each other only episodically. “If Dr. King were here today, he would speak out about gun violence and growing economic disparities, and about each person’s right to reach his or her potential.”

Opening the morning program, OWU’s Rosalind Scott, chairperson of the MLK Celebration Committee, introduced OWU President Rock Jones, who welcomed everyone to the breakfast on behalf of the University. Other highlights included beautiful singing by Dr. Naima Johnston-Bush, remarks by Tanisha Murphy ’17, the 2013 recipient of the Martin Luther King Scholarship, music and video selections  about “Teenage Problems” by Elijah Welch and Phil Frentsos, students at Delaware Hayes High School, and Palmer’s thoughtful message.