Actor and entertainer Daryl "Chill" Mitchell acts as guest speaker for Shippensburg University's 16th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 18. (Public Opinion/Ryan Blackwell)

BY MORGAN YOUNG;  Staff writer

A full auditorium of Shippensburg University students, faculty and community members heard the inspiring story of Actor Daryl “Chill” Mitchell Wednesday night, as part of University’s 16th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The television and film actor, known for his performance in “House Party,” spoke about how his determination to return to his craft after a 2001 motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.

“I decided that I had to keep going,” he said during his presentation. “Don’t quit, don’t lay down, never lay down.”

The presentation was only a part of the events planned for the celebration with the theme of “Remember, Reflect, Engage.” The university will also have its annual March for Humanity Jan. 19.

Graduating from college is the best way students can honor the legacy of Dr. King, said Mitchell, along with Dr. Melodye Wehrung, university director of the office of social equity.

“Too many have sacrificed, marched in the face of teeth-baring dogs and gushing water hoses, and many have died a horrible death, for any one of us to squander the opportunity,” Wehrung said. “We have an obligation to ourselves and ultimately to our family and our communities to make the most of this opportunity.” 

Educating yourself and persevering through life’s struggles weren’t the only messages Mitchell stressed. The minority outreach spokesperson for the Christopher Reeve Foundation also stressed understanding consequences in his lecture titled “Personal Responsibility and Accountability.”

 Violence, the dangers of alcohol, drugs and texting while driving were just a few of the topics Mitchell touched on.

“I just want you to understand that you got to think before you do things. You never know what tomorrow can bring. I’m living proof of what tomorrow can bring,” he said. “Enjoy this time, you deserve it, it’s only natural, but at the same time use your mind, use your head, think. You don’t realize what effect you can have on someone else’s life.” 

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Morgan Young can be reached at myoung@shipnewsnow.com and 262-4753, or follow her on Twitter @ShipNewsGirl.