Lee honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with week of campus events
FILE - In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, speaks to thousands during his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, in Washington. A new documentary “MLK/FBI,” shows how FBI director J. Edgar Hoover used the full force of his federal law enforcement agency to attack King and his progressive, nonviolent cause. That included wiretaps, blackmail and informers, trying to find dirt on King. (AP Photo/File)
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, various student leaders and faculty guides have planned a week’s worth of events dedicated to honoring historic trailblazers and highlighting present-day activists.
Beginning with an MLK Day march through downtown Cleveland on Jan. 18, some students behind the events hope to spark peaceful conversations about racial unity throughout campus.
“I’m hoping … that these [Lee] students can understand that just because we are [on] a Christian campus does not mean we are immune to racism,” said senior sports management major Joseph Mbemba.
Throughout the week, chapel services will feature the author of “Gracism: The Art of Inclusion,” Dr. David Anderson, an expert on race relations, on Jan. 19, and Director of the Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations, Gloria-Scott Richmond, on Jan. 21. Both services are curated to spark conversation about inclusion and diversity on campus.
In an attempt to attract a variety of participants, student leaders have also planned a viewing of the biographical film “Hidden Figures” in Walker arena on Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m.
“These events were [chosen] to cater to different crowds but still get the message [of racial unity] out there,” said senior exercise science major Dhuranique Ferguson.
The week will conclude on Jan. 22, with a trailblazers vigil where students in attendance will learn of different civil rights leaders and their impact on modern society.
Photo by Senior Photographer Christopher Vega
Due to the ongoing racial tension across the nation, Mbemba felt there was a need for uncomfortable conversations among the campus community that may prompt change.
“The goal is to not only talk about racism but to make people uncomfortable talking about it because anytime we talk about change or revival, it’s never comfortable or easy,” said Mbemba. “I feel like [discomfort] is what’s needed in order for [everyone] to move forward.”
Members from the Cultural Diversity Committee Dr. Mary McCampbell and Dr. Ruth Wienk as well as other faculty sponsors like Dimitri Mattocks and Gloria Scott-Richmond have aided the students in planning and organizing the week’s activities.
“We served as a guide on the side. [The students] came [to us] with their ideas, and we supported them,” said Scott-Richmond.
The event facilitators are hopeful the week’s events will continue to transform the community of Lee.
“[We are] moving past change to a transformative mindset so that these conversations [of unity] will be ongoing,” Scott-Richmond said.
Students interested in attending will need to RSVP for each event. According to faculty sponsors, all events will be closed to the Cleveland community to maintain safety for students.
Social distancing and masks will be enforced for all events, and green screens will be required to enter the venue.
Events will begin on Monday, Jan. 18, at 8:45 a.m. and continue until Friday, Jan 22, at 6:00 p.m. More information and sign-ups for events can be found on the Office of Racial and Ethnic Relation’s Instagram @leeuracialethnic.
