A Silent March to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place today at noon, starting in front of Cheadle Hall.

This year marks the sixth annual Silent March organized by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at UCSB.

“The march pays tribute to the non-violent civil rights activism promoted by the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” APA President Chris Newman said.

King was an APA member, and chapters across the country are celebrating his legacy by holding campuswide marches.

The annual Silent March was designed not only to pay tribute to the life and achievements of Dr. King, but also to further an ongoing struggle for equality, APA member K.C. Mmeje said.

“As participants march in silence, we ask that they reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King,” Mmeje said. “We ask them to reflect on our current struggle and the role they play in that struggle for civil liberties and equality.”

“The goal is to pull the entire UCSB community together for at least one hour and celebrate a great American hero and one of the most significant African-Americans ever,” APA adviser John Mitchell said.

Mitchell said that APA is a black, nationwide fraternity whose chapters have been historically founded on predominantly white college campuses

“[APA’s] academic and community service achievements have been huge when you think and understand some of the daily challenges students of color face at UCSB,” Mitchell said. “This event will provide an opportunity to join all races, ethnic groups, sexual orientations and religious differences together in peace for the honoring of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.”

Those who wish to participate in the Silent March can meet at Cheadle Hall today at 11:45 a.m. The march will end near the Women’s Center and conclude with a keynote speech from Newman and musical entertainment by Antara & Delilah.

“I always look forward to and appreciate the Silent March,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Michael Young said. “I think that the fact that it is silent and the dignity with which the brothers conduct the march is a powerful symbol to represent the great Dr. Martin Luther King.”