The Rev. Dr. Derek Barber King Sr., the nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke about how “Kingian” (non-violent) principles employed by his uncle more than 40 years ago still apply today.

To commemorate a day devoted to one of the most important American civil rights icons, Niagara University brought in a special person with a special message.

Derek Barber King Sr., the nephew of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., presented the keynote address Monday — the 26th anniversary of the first celebration of the King holiday.

Before his address, King presented a pair of conflict resolution workshops, where he introduced principals to what he calls Kingian Nonviolence.

“When you look at the (black and white) footage from the day, you notice people were on the receiving end of force,” King said. “There was some people being hit by fire hoses and other means of control. What you’ll see is that they didn't fight back. They went through an intense experience. There was a lot of pain.”

He said succeeding in nonviolence, which stood at the heart of his uncle’s message, is about trying to get people to buy into the idea of social change.

“We've gotta make some changes,” he said, “and we have to do it without violence.”

King’s presence on campus wasn't the only way students got to honor the holiday. Voter registration booths, a photograph exhibit mural display and Peace Quilt creation marked some of the various activities at NU.

The campus will continue its programs for what it’s calling Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Week with a Hoops for History trivia contest Tuesday and a lecture on nonviolence by Assistant Professor Julian Hayter Wednesday.

For more information on Niagara University’s upcoming programs, please contact Niagara University’s Office of Multicultural International Students Affairs at 716.286.8510 or mem@niagara.edu.