Peru, Nebraska - Peru State College celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20. As part of a new policy, classes were postponed to better focus on activities and events dedicated to the principles of unity and equal rights.

A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Brunch was held on Monday, January 20, to celebrate the life of Dr. King and his vision of equal rights for all. The event hosted presentations and performances by Peru State students as well as a performance by the Hoyt Street Jazz Ensemble.

Crystal Hutson, Director of Student Activities and Programs, said: “It was so exciting to see so many faculty, staff and students at the first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Brunch. I was very proud of all of our student performers and the other students that helped make this event possible.”

Justin Neyland read a poem of his own composition, "Invest." Neyland is a senior from Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Neyland appears on stage, behind the Peru State podium.

Justin Neyland.

Kortnie Sheppard and Jalen Tate gave a historic presentation on behalf of the Black Student Union. Sheppard is the president of BSU and is a senior from York, Neb. Tate is a junior from Omaha, Neb.

Sheppard and Tate appear on stage during the luncheon.

Kortnie Sheppard (right) and Jalen Tate (left).Rontonyo Hubbard sang "Lean on Me." Hubbard is a sophomore from St. Louis, Mo.

Hubbard is singing in the Student Center.

Rontonyo Hubbard

In addition to organizing the luncheon and other activities through the week, Hutson sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson. 

Hutson sings on stage behind the podium.

Crystal Hutson 

A showing of the documentary, "I am MLK, Jr.," was held later that evening.

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Marivelle Magaña contributed to this release.