Student Union
Reflecting on Dr. King's Legacy
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 2007, my public speaking professor challenged me and my classmates to each make a presentation that was so exciting it was never to be forgotten. To make the task achievable, he granted us the freedom to chose from any subject we desired.
The subjects started off simple but entertaining. In my first presentation, I made the class sing to a song I liked, I didn't even know the words, we just hummed away to my lead. Some one brought a live snake to a presentation and sent nearly half the class on their way running for safety.
A few weeks into the semester though, something extraordinary happened. A classmate from Kenya told a passionate story of his life experience as a child soldier. And then suddenly, as if a match of truth had been lit, the topics started to gravitate towards a more personal and sensitive nature that ranged from freedom, racism, violence, war and unjust persecution.
Inspired by my classmates, I knew I had to work on my presentation with a special degree of intensity. I too wanted to reach their hearts the way they had reached mine.
Fortunately, amidst my preparation, I came across the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Enlightened by his work, I knew I had a model to follow. I decided to direct my presentation towards the principles he stood for: fearlessness, hope and exuberence. Later when my presentation came to an end, a classmate approached me to share his own thoughts on what I had talked about. I can't remember the words he said but I remember how they made me feel. They humbled and encouraged me.
So today as America celebrates MLK Day, I ask, what does Martin Luther King's legacy mean to me? It means that through love for each other and open communication about the things that matter, we create vehicles of forward movement for the progress of all humanity. Even though we must relish progress, we must not get complacent, for Dr. King's work is not yet complete. We must carry on.
See all News Updates of the Day
Ohio Public Colleges Told to End Race-based Scholarships
Ohio’s attorney general has ordered public colleges and universities to end merit scholarships that incorporate race-based criteria, saying they are unconstitutional.
The attorney general advised education officials that compliance with a 2023 Supreme Court decision on race-based admissions extends to scholarships, according to the Columbus Dispatch. (March 2024)
Greek Parliament Approves Branches of Foreign Universities
The Greek parliament voted to allow foreign universities to establish and operate branch campuses in the country.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the move was made to encourage Greek students to stay in the country for advanced studies, instead of going abroad for an education. (March 2024)
Virginia Bans Legacy Admissions
The state of Virginia has banned legacy admissions to public colleges and universities.
The New York Times reports the state has outlawed the practice of giving preferential admissions status to students based on connections to alumni and donors. (March 2024)
New Texas Law Prohibits Public Colleges, Universities From Having DEI Offices
A new Texas law prohibits public universities from having special programs supporting minority and LGBTQ students. Critics say these diversity, equity and inclusion programs are discriminatory and divisive. But many students say they are needed. Deana Mitchell has the story from the Texas capital.
Here’s What It Feels Like to Find Home Between Two Cultures
Cynthia Jia, a student at the University of Virginia, writes about how Chinese literature helped reconcile her to being part of two cultures. Read her story in The Cavalier Daily. (February 2024)