The University of Oregon Black Student Union Presidents Godwin Nwando and Olivia Manwarren lead a group of BSU members and students on a candlelight vigil at the EMU amphitheater Wednesday, Jan. 22. (Michael Shaw/Emerald)

The Black Student Union and The Black Women of Achievement held a candlelight vigil in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. this evening at the EMU amphitheater.

Godwin Nwando co-president of BSU spoke briefly about the impacts that past leaders have had on today’s community.

“Leaders past and present have done great work for us to be where we are standing today,” Nwando said.

Nwando also spoke specifically on the increase in African-Americans on college campuses as well as an increase in African-American voters, “Voter turn out for African-Americans and for people of color in general has risen because of the fight we’ve had especially to get the civil right voting act,” he said.

Nwando continued on to mention that although we talk about the many things that have changed we neglect to notice what hasn’t. “Unemployment since Martin Luther King’s death has not changed that much,” he said.

After closing his brief speech students then walked in silence guided by candlelight around the EMU. The service finished at the Mills International Center where a weekly BSU meeting was held. At the meeting, rapper and activist, Jasiri X, spoke about the change he sees coming.

“I am excited about the future of this country. I just believe that this generation vows to do it differently than past generations. We see things differently, and I see a change coming,” he said.