Sounds of steel drums and rhythmic beats filled Pioneer Food Court as the community gathered on Monday, Jan. 17, to mark the beginning of OU’s African American Celebration Month.

The African American Celebration Month opening ceremonies paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through food, music, dance and fellowship.

Sean Dobbins, the assistant coordinator of jazz studies, and the pan jazz class at OU started the celebration by playing one of Dr. King’s favorite songs.

“We are playing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ also called ‘the Black National Anthem,'” Dobbins said.

“It is an honor to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through our craft. It’s huge.”

Members of OU’s dance department also shared their talents in the celebration.

“It was great to show on the dance side what we are capable of,” said Vivan Costello, a dance major. “I am glad we could be incorporated in this celebration.”

Freshman Sean Cannady volunteered at the ceremony in an effort to become more involved in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives.

Cannady said that he wants to encourage understanding the issues surrounding race.

“The only meaning race has is what we assign it,” Cannady said.

Rodrina Moore, a Keeper of the Dream Award recipient and an African American Celebration Month committee member, said that she would like to see students “learn the importance of diversity and inclusion.”

“I would hope that students could take information from the month’s events that would allow them to help make our community a better place,” Moore said. “I trust that it will be an eye opening experience for many.”