The Charger Blog
Jordan Harris ’21, president of the University’s NAACP chapter who is active in the work of the Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, discusses the lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and why it still resonates today.
January 27, 2020
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important opportunity to reflect on what we are doing – as individuals and as a society – to make our country better for all people – regardless of race or ethnicity. As individuals, I believe we have a responsibility to reflect on our history and ask how we can make life better for those around us.
Dr. King’s goal of liberation and equality for black people is something we’re still fighting for today. While I don’t know how he would feel about our overall progress, I believe he would want us to reflect on our morality.
"Although racism still exists today, Dr. King’s message lives on."Jordan Harris ’21
What makes this holiday so meaningful is that Dr. King’s nonviolent movement had opposition from political leaders, the FBI, and a large majority of people, but as we reflect back on history, those same institutions that tried to bring him down now celebrate him and his impact.
Dr. King is quoted by many today and remembered for his famous "I Have A Dream Speech." What is forgotten, though, in that same speech is his mention of police brutality and economic inequality. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. because he believed in what he’s fighting for.
Although racism still exists today, Dr. King’s message lives on.
The Charger Blog
Kadmiel B. Adusei '20 M.S. was presented the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Anil Shah '86 M.S. received the Distinguished Lifetime Alumni Award, and RBC Bearings was presented with the Exemplary Partner Award.
The Charger Blog
Members of the Gaia Initiative gained insights and expanded their professional networks at the Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC) conference in Chicago, boosting their skills to benefit a University scholarship fund and their careers.
The Charger Blog
Beatrice Glaviano '26, a nutrition science major, digs into coffee’s origins, its ups and downs, and her love for the perfect brew.