Students Raise Funds for King Monument
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2006
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Students Raise Funds for King Monument
California State University, Chico students spearheaded a fund-raising effort that netted $4,000 for the planned monument in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Chico's Community Park.
The money was raised by proceeds from Chico Diversity Day, held Saturday, May 6, on the CSU, Chico campus, along with other fund-raising by faculty, staff, students and community members.
Approximately 200 people attended the event, which featured a barbecue lunch, music, games, a rendition of King's "I Have a Dream" speech by CSU, Chico staff member Ajamu Lamumba and a welcome by CSU, Chico President Paul Zingg.
CSU, Chico student Malcolm McLemore, chief organizer for Chico Diversity Day, said the funds will help reach the estimated $20,000 needed to build the monument. The Chico Community Coalition, whose members helped with and attended the event, is leading the effort to raise funds for the monument.
McLemore said many campus Greek organizations and other groups sold tickets to Chico Diversity Day or direct donations for the monument, including the Pan African Union, Men of Honor and Women of Excellence.
"We were able to raise $4,000 in two weeks' time – students, faculty and staff really want to see the monument built," said McLemore. "I want us to be involved in more community events that will strengthen diversity."
McLemore thanked local businesses that helped out the event, including Graphic Fox and Dragon Graphics, and volunteers Becky Gall, Robert Williams, Maribal Bravo and Dani Jimenez-Cruz.
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