“Is there a king in you?”
The Rev. Sylvia King, mayor of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, posed this question to an audience packed into DiSepio 213/214 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19).
King is a long-time Johnstown resident. She was elected the city’s mayor in November of last year.
Executive Vice President of SFU’s Student Government Association, Abrielle Brown, kicked off last week’s event. She extended thanks to University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell for allowing the school to operate on a compressed schedule so that students could attend King’s speech.
Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, Director of Campus Ministry, said a prayer before members of the Christ Centered Community Church in Johnstown performed two upbeat songs.
King extended thanks to friends and colleagues in the audience.
She said it is important that everyone answers their calls to service.
Martin Luther King Jr. served his community by leading peaceful resistance efforts against racial segregation. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Four years later, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Seek to serve God first and serve your fellow man,” the Rev. Sylvia King told the audience.
King praised SFU’s dedication to Franciscan values.
“They [Franciscan values] will help lead and guide you through life.”
She also emphasized the importance of “beloved community,” a term MLK used to describe his vision for a world in which everyone is loved.
“A beloved community isn’t made alone,” King said. “A beloved community is not a dream you wait for. It’s a call to action.”
Izzy Andersen, a sophomore Exercise Physiology/Physical Therapy major, enjoyed the event.
“I liked the gospel choir the most,” she said. “They were amazing singers.”
Andersen said the event demonstrated how widespread MLK’s impact remains decades following his death.
“His outreach affects everyone, no matter where you’re from.”
Sylvia King noted that she often draws motivation from MLK. She said her Christian faith inspires her to do everything with love.
“It’s a simple message,” King said.
King was sworn in as Johnstown’s mayor on Jan. 5. A native of the city, she served on Johnstown’s City Council for seven years. She also served as the city’s deputy mayor.
King succeeds Frank Janakovic as Johnstown’s mayor. She defeated John DeBartola in last fall’s general election.
SFU Associate Dean of Students Lynne Banks encouraged the audience to use its talents to make positive change on campus, around the country, and around the world.
“Go forth, sow seeds, and do good,” she said.
