Mckinnon Hall was filled during College Coffee with the sounds of the African-American Dance Ensemble of Durham, N.C, who performed one of many other Martin Luther King Jr. events throughout the week.
Teaching equality through dance
The dance ensemble performed motions of peace, love and togetherness. They also showed the Elon Community a few African dances.
The goal of the group is to enlighten people of all ages and races to traditional African dance and music, and to ultimately encourage cross-cultural cooperation and understanding.
Social justice on campus
After the event's conclusion, students dropped to the floor for four minutes as a part of their silent non-violent protests.
"We don't want to reap havoc, we do not want to make any harm," said senior Ciera Marteinez. "[But] we do want to get our message across."
About 30 students participated in Tuesday's protest to honor Michael Brown and Eric Garner. And after the four minutes were up, they all rose and silently walked away.
This served as a continuation of silent protests that started last semester.
"If we have to start small and work our way up," said junior Cassidy Stratton, "that's what we will do."
Stratton helped plan the protest, and she said she was happy to participate.
Looking toward the future
Elon student Imani Mobley also shared Stratton's passion for making a difference on the campus.
"This is not the end," said Mobley, "This is the beginning.
"Dr. King didn't stop, so why should we?"