VCU news

By Jennifer Curtis
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University's AmeriCorps program recently participated in the "Walking Anthology" event during Community Learning Week, an annual event in Richmond that recognizes the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others that were involved in the American civil rights movement of the 1960's.

During Community Learning Week, a series of community-based events were held throughout the month of January, including the community mass meeting. Sponsored by Richmond Public Schools, this year's mass meeting began with the "Walking Anthology."

Members of VCU AmeriCorps gathered at the Arthur Ashe Center to serve as seating and traffic-flow guides for the "Walking Anthology," a parade of area school children that captured the spirit and moments in the evolution of civil rights in the nation. Prior to the event, area schools were encouraged to select a civil rights leader, character or event, which the children represented visually on hand carried placards during the walk.

"VCU AmeriCorp's most valuable contribution to the event was the pride they exhibited in giving back to their community," said Nathan McAnally, VCU's Office of Community Programs.

In addition to assisting children with the walk, members of VCU AmeriCorps also worked at information tables during the meeting.

The AmeriCorps program at VCU was established in 1995 and seeks to improve the literacy skills of local children and families. AmeriCorps is a national service initiative that enables individuals to address needs in their communities through meaningful, results-driven service.