More than 50 people marched together through campus yesterday, some with handmade signs calling for equality, in a demonstration reminiscent of the many civil rights protests organized decades ago by Martin Luther King, Jr.

To commemorate King's birthday and to kick off a weeklong celebration of the civil rights leader, the march began at the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street and proceeded up toward the Pattee Library, finally ending at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, where a peace service took place.

Erin McSweeney (junior-accounting), campus events chairwoman for the MLK Day Overall Committee, said the purpose of the march was to increase visibility and awareness and also to imitate some of the nonviolent tactics King used during his civil rights battle.

"The whole point of the march and service is to remember and reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the great things he did for our society," Max Staplin (junior-economics), overall chairman for the committee, said.

Essence of Joy, a student gospel choir, opened the service with a vocal performance of "We Shall Overcome," a protest song that became an influential anthem during the civil rights movement.

The struggles and plights of the black community became even more real as quotes from some of King's most powerful and famous speeches were played along with a slideshow of pictures of the civil rights leader.

Christian M. M. Brady, dean of Schreyer Honors College and former director of the Tulane University Honors Program, provided the keynote address for the service. He talked of King's lasting impact on society and steps one must take to keep his dream alive. Brady also discussed the racial injustices brought to his attention during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the need for our society to continue working toward equality.

Kelly McCarthy (junior-physics) said she wanted to participate in the events to ensure that people remember King and his work.

"I heard of the event from a friend, and knew I should take advantage of it. Plus, it's the reason we have a day off from school. It's important to remember who he was and what he did," she said.

Krystal Nunn (sophomore-finance), public relations chairwoman for the MLK Day Overall Committee, said she hopes the student effort will raise awareness and have a lasting impact.

"It's our way of celebrating who he was as a person and keeping his dream alive," she said.