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Student marches for empowerment

January 16, 2009

Aaron Green has participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. March for as long as he can remember. He believes that students have the power to make positive changes and participating in this year's march will help them live the dream.

“Thousands of people come back each year and the crowd grows. People of all ages and race come out to celebrate the life of Dr. King and the accomplishments as a nation,” Green says.

Significant changes to the event

The MLK Day march in Fort Collins will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19. Beginning in Old Town Square, the march will end at the CSU Lory Student Center, a significant change to the route of the event.

“To end the march back on the CSU campus, I think really embodies the spirit of college students getting more involved and bringing it back to campus,” says Green.

For more information on the Fort Collins march, visit www.mlkfortcollins.org.

Family tradition

Every year, Green and his family attend the march in Denver, which begins in City Park and ends in downtown. His father, Jeff S. Fard, better known as Brother Jeff, has been a key note speaker at the event numerous times. Green says the older he gets the more the walk becomes a tradition for him.

“I have taken away a sense of purpose that without struggle there is no progress and that many people have fought for the rights that we take for granted today. I am blessed to stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and continue to make a positive impact in my community,” says Green.

(Photo at right: A young Green and his family walking during a MLK Jr. March.)

A personal connection

A CSU senior, pursuing a degree in political science and a minor in ethnic studies, Green is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, an African American Intercollegiate Greek organization established in 1906. He was surprised to find out that Martin Luther King Jr. was a member of the same fraternity.

Students making a difference

Alpha Phi Alpha has raised funds for the Martin Luther King Jr. Marade, a memorial and parade in Denver, and APhiA are great contributors to the Build the Dream Foundation, an effort to create a memorial in honor of Dr. King in Washington, D.C.

“It has always been students, young adults, who were at the forefront of social movements. Students have the power to change things and it is important to understand that we all come from diverse backgrounds and that diversity is what makes us all powerful,” says Green.

(Photo at right: Green, far left, his twin brother and other members of Alpha Phi Alpha stand in front of the MLK Jr. statue in Denver.)

Participation is highly encouraged

Green feels that attending the march will help in unifying the community and empower them to make positive changes.

“People, in general, should participate no matter the age or ethnicity. It’s all about living the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had, as well as building on that dream and having a vision of progression for the future,” Green says.

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Contact: Anh Ha
E-mail: Anh.Ha@ColoState.edu
Phone: (970) 491-4161