State Comptroller Roland Burris spoke Monday against racism at NIU during the university’s annual memorial for the late Martin Luther King, Jr.

“This college campus is not a place for racism. Racism is ignorance in action. This is considered an intellectual institution of educated young people and racism doesn’t belong here,” Burris said. “All NIU students should be here to learn and to make themselves better people.”

The service, in the Music Building’s Boutell Hall, began with an introduction on how King paved the way for all minorities in future generations to live the dream that he created.

Larry Robertson, Student Association minority relations adviser, said not one person alone can solve the racial problems at NIU. There are 25,000 students at this school who need to lay down their racial aggressions and try to develop a peaceful atmosphere between black and white students on campus, he said.

Burris said the reason we are celebrating King’s 59th birthday is to keep his dream alive.

Burris said King’s dream is summed up in a quote by King—”Every man and woman should be judged on the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.”

Burris explained King tried to teach the true meaning of freedom for all sexes and races. King believed the black society had to insist upon equal rights through non-violence and peaceful demonstrations to fulfill his dream.

“Though we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go. Racial incidents are not only occuring on this campus but all over the nation. Racism is alive and well but opportunity is also very alive and well,” Burris said.

Burris was elected the state’s chief fiscal officer in 1978. That election made Illinois state history as Burris became the first black state-wide elected official.

He made history again when he was re-elected in 1982 for the same office before he moved on to become the state comptroller.

Two other organizations Burris is involved in are the Democratic National Party and Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), of which he is president.

The memorial service also featured performances of “If I Can Help Somebody” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” performed by two NIU Black Choir members, Vincent Lewis and Shawn Tate.

Also at the service, Alpha Phi Alpha President William Ivy, presented to Burris, Alpha Phi Alpha alumni of 1956, an award of excellence for being a positive role model in today’s society.

Ivy said, “I agree with Burris’ advice to stay in school and get a good education. He also made a good point on how people should be judged on their character rather than their race.”