Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) once again came together Jan. 19 to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during their annual MLK Celebration Breakfast at CSU.

CSU’s Rashiadah Weaver and Tri-C’s Alundis Hayes served as masters of ceremonies. Weaver is a student leader in CSU’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a Master of Public Administration. She is also a Mandel Continuing Scholar in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College, president of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society and a Green Blazer with the Center for Campus Engagement.

“I am honored to be a part of such a deeply meaningful opportunity to participate in celebrating a legacy rooted in justice, equity, and service—values that guide my own journey as a person committed to community, service and civic responsibility and accountability,” she said. “As an emcee I get to amplify voices, encourage dialogue and inspire action within our campus community. It is a true honor.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from CSU President Laura Bloomberg and Tri-C President Michael Baston, followed by student speakers Salma Marzouk and Mona Pruitt of Tri-C, and Kayla Moore Adams and Dulce Perez Sanchez of CSU. 

Adams is a first-generation college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations. She is committed to using her voice to drive change through activism and storytelling.

“Being a part of this celebration truly means so much to me. I feel deeply honored to have the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who has been an inspiration and role model for me since I was a child,” she said. “I remember learning about him at a young age and wanting to live by the values he stood for: kindness, compassion, courage and integrity. Even then, those qualities resonated with me and showed me what true leadership looks like.”

Sanchez is the fair housing manager for the city of Cleveland, where she leads outreach and advocacy efforts to advance equity and housing justice. She is pursuing a master’s degree in human resource management at CSU.

“Dr. King’s legacy is important to me because it reminds me that real change starts with people in our homes, our schools and our communities, and his work speaks to the responsibility we all have to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to lead with compassion, courage and integrity,” she said. “Being part of this celebration at CSU feels especially meaningful because the university represents growth, opportunity and the power of education to change lives.”

Jarrett Pratt, director of student success at the Pratt Center, discussed the importance of the annual event.

“For 35 years, this celebration has brought students and the community together to honor Dr. King’s legacy,” he said. “It provides a meaningful platform for student leaders to reflect on their work and demonstrate how they are advancing his vision of service, civil rights and social justice.”