"…as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, 'When will you be satisfied?' (Never)." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Breakfast was held last Friday. The sold-out event brought together about 330 students, faculty, staff and community members to honor Dr. King's life and philosophy, and to celebrate the efforts of those who work to achieve his vision for peace.

This year's breakfast featured a cultural program, in addition to an awards ceremony honoring individuals who, through their service to the community and activism on behalf of others, demonstrate a commitment to peace, social justice and the values expressed by Dr. King.

The 2004 Peace Award Recipients are:

Angelo Van Fleet. A recent Metro State graduate, Van Fleet served as a mentor with the Student Support Services program and often was the difference between academic success and failure for students. He has endured many challenges, including a life-threatening brain injury which left him in a coma for 12 days, and uses the experience to help others be successful.

Art Campa, Ph.D. Campa is an associate professor anthropology and director of Metro's College Assistance Migrant Program. He, along with colleagues, established a weaving and textile cooperative in the agricultural village of Santa Rita, Peru, to help support the local economy. He also collaborated with Engineers Without Borders to install a sewage system and improve the local delivery of water in the village. Campa said he read a sermon of Dr. King's when he was younger which inspired him throughout his life to want to help others improve their lot in life.

Mildred Freeney-Hilton. A professor of sociology at Red Rocks Community College, Freeney-Hilton has an extensive history of volunteer community service including serving as program director for Adoption for Black Children. She also served as executive director for Linkages for Older Adults, an organization that helps initiate and maintain connections for senior citizens. Freeney-Hilton sums up her life philosophy with the words from a song she learned in grade school, "If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my life would not have been in vain."

Ronald M. Knights, Ph.D. Dr. Knights was a professor and advisor in the School of Business from 1982 until his death in April 2003. He was also a co-founder of the African American Leadership Institute, an organization that contributes to the knowledge base and development skills among African Americans in the Denver area. Dr. Knights leaves a legacy of values, commitment and service to others.

A highlight of the program were dramatic readings of Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" and "I Have a Dream" speech by Michael Peters, associate minister of the Second Baptist Church in Boulder accompanied by students and the choir. Music was performed by Daryl Walker and the Majestic Praise Choir of the New Hope Baptist Church in Denver.