The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. in the Vivian DeShields Auditorium to encourage students to lead with purpose, service and action.
Rev. Cameron Jenkins, a Baptist minister and university alumnus, served as the keynote speaker, urging students to recognize their responsibility to continue King’s work through leadership, service, and intentional action, both on campus and in their communities.
Held as part of the Leadership Education and Development Speaker (L.E.A.D.) Series, the convocation centered on the theme “Building the Beloved Community: Faith in Action, Purpose in Motion” and reflected on the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to justice, leadership and collective responsibility.
Jenkins emphasized that King stepped into history without certainty of the outcome, guided by faith, and conviction in his calling. He encouraged students to view their time at the university as preparation for moments that require courage, integrity, and action, not only in academic settings but in communities facing division and injustice.
“Every life speaks,” Jenkins said. “The question is not if your life will speak, but what your life will say.”
Throughout his address, Jenkins reinforced that education should prepare students not only for careers but also for leadership in critical moments. He encouraged students to live with purpose and allow their actions to reflect their values.
The program also featured several performances and presentations, including a dance performance titled “Rise Up” by Montgomery’s Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Dance Department. Students also heard a special presentation from the children of Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center that highlighted the importance of early education and community engagement.
Additional remarks were delivered by the president of the Beta Upsilon Chapter Bryant Johnson, followed by an invocation from Chapter Chaplain Aaron McNeil Jr. The Student Government Association President Dejuan Trotman and Miss Alabama State University Sydney Guy welcomed the guest speaker and spoke about leadership as purpose in action, emphasizing the university’s historic role in the civil rights movement.
The convocation closed with remarks from Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Malinda W. Swoope, Ph.D., who thanked attendees and acknowledged the campus organizations and partners that contributed to the program.
Jenkins noted that the university is more than an academic institution, describing it as a movement committed to truth, equity and social transformation. Attendees were also encouraged to remain engaged in campus and community initiatives as part of the institution’s commitment to civic responsibility.
Some students said the message resonated.
“This was my first Martin Luther King convocation,” said Kinsey James, a junior marketing major. “The biggest takeaway was letting your life speak for itself.”
Janiah Davis, a freshman biomedical engineering major, said the strong turnout added meaning to the event.
“I loved it,” Davis said. “It was good to see people come together.”
Jordan Phillips, a junior psychology major with a minor in sustainability and community studies, said the convocation addressed real student experiences.
“It was empowering,” Phillips said. “It acknowledged that students are struggling but reminded us that support and resources matter.”
Vice President of the Delta Zeta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Jordan Kate Smith, a senior biology pre-health major, said the program reinforced responsibility across generations.
“We have to carry the torch,” Smith said. “Faith, family and perseverance.”