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University Of Bridgeport Students Volunteer In Community To Honor MLK

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — As they headed out to complete community projects for the 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the students from the University of Bridgeport were emblazoned and emboldened by the words of the civil rights leader.  

Jennifer Turner, University of Bridgeport Engagement Coordinator, is one of the speakers at the annual MLK day of service event.

Jennifer Turner, University of Bridgeport Engagement Coordinator, is one of the speakers at the annual MLK day of service event.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Students at University of Bridgeport gather in the student center before separating into groups for their volunteer activities for the day.

Students at University of Bridgeport gather in the student center before separating into groups for their volunteer activities for the day.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Volunteers from The American Red Cross also traveled throughout the city for the day of service.

Volunteers from The American Red Cross also traveled throughout the city for the day of service.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
American Red Cross members along with Bridgeport firefighters and University students gather together for a photo opportunity before getting on their buses to various locations to volunteer their time.

American Red Cross members along with Bridgeport firefighters and University students gather together for a photo opportunity before getting on their buses to various locations to volunteer their time.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Volunteers relax and take photos in front of the fire truck before getting on buses to their volunteer sites.

Volunteers relax and take photos in front of the fire truck before getting on buses to their volunteer sites.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Just a few of the American Red Cross volunteers.

Just a few of the American Red Cross volunteers.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Every person who volunteered at the day of service is continuing Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

Every person who volunteered at the day of service is continuing Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone

A graphic design of a famous King quote — “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” — was printed across their shirts.

“We have over 500 volunteers participating all over the Greater Bridgeport Area, with some going to the Discovery Museum to Sterling Community House to discuss Dr. King, and we even have people going to the local shelters as well,” said Jennifer Turner, who is the city engagement coordinator for the University of Bridgeport.

“Today, I really got to be a part of something really amazing. I want to help continue to build the dream that Dr. King imagined that has really become something historical and memorable,” UB student Tasha Haynesa said.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) greeted the students before they headed out to their service projects across the city on Monday.

“I’m so glad there were so many students in our community that went out and pushed back to attempt to save this country. I like how they showed passion, and it’s off the chart,” Murphy said of the participants.

The students chose to spend their day off from class doing something productive. “Today is not just a day off, it’s a day to continue the legacy of Dr. King, that he preached about,” Murphy said.

Earlier that morning, Murphy participated at the Black Pride MLK Day Service at Mount Aery Baptist Church.

Later that day, Murphy made his way to Norwalk, joining Mayor Harry Rilling, State Rep. Bruce Morris, and local advocates at the “Renewing the Dream: Hope in Today’s Time” program at West Rocks School. He also had lunch in Stamford with Mayor David Martin at the Yerwood Center and finally ended his day at the 7th annual MLK Concert celebration honoring King's work at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in New Haven.

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