Dr. Yorri Berry (third from left) leads a keynote panel discussion with student leaders in the Monsanto Auditorium.
The University of Missouri honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 30 with a free event for Columbia community members and students
The University of Missouri hosted its annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 30. The event aimed to honor King’s legacy as a leader, education advocate and civil rights activist.
The event began with an artist’s showcase in the lobby of the Bond Life Sciences Center. MU students shared their artwork, which honored King’s leadership, family life and inspiration for future Black leaders.
“A lot of times when we look at MLK, we just see the activist, and not necessarily the intentionality behind his motivation,” said Dai’Montre Yancy, who presented his art at the event. “That motivated mentality to help the world was really to help his children be in a better place.”
Other student artists focused on the history of the Civil Rights Movement and modern-day interpretations of King’s teachings.
“Something I want someone to take away (from the art) is that we have the power to create our own change,” said Kijah Woods, another student artist. “I want us … to reflect on things to be able to build up what we can do now. Because they started that point of change, so it’s our job to continue that chain.”
The event’s performance showcase and keynote program were held in the Monsanto Auditorium. Musical performances by the Sankofa Chorale, Dr. Brandon A. Boyd and Alex Plummer, as well as a dance performance by Candace Kauffman, were interspersed among speeches from staff members.
“Historically, a key component of this program is showcasing all of the art and creativity in our community,” said Stasha Simone, a member of the organizing committee for the event. “We partner with a few student organizations, and also have a call for artists that goes out to invite students to express their own interpretations of Dr. Luther King Jr.’s teachings and his legacy.”
King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948, at a time when colleges and universities across the United States were still segregated by race. In many of his speeches and writings, he drew attention to the importance of education for the advancement of civil rights.
Dr. Angela King Taylor, the Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, spoke on King’s education advocacy.
“He envisioned a world where every person had access to opportunities for learning and self improvement,” Taylor said. “Dr. King’s legacy urges us to continue the work of breaking down barriers to education, and to ensure that all students are empowered to achieve their fullest potential, and gain the tools to lead the next generation.”
Later in the presentation, the “Keeper of the Dream” award was presented to the Nu Theta Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, one of the Divine Nine historically Black Greek letter organizations. The chapter received the award for their community work and service around Columbia and for supporting Black-owned businesses in the city.
The celebration concluded with a discussion between MU student leaders and Dr. Yorri Berry, a poet and children’s rights advocate. Panelists asked questions about King’s activism and promoting leadership among young people.
“(King) was audacious enough to dream … Many of us, like young children, have these audacious dreams.” Berry said. “I think the beautiful thing about Dr. King is that dream never died. Dr. King was persistent and dedicated and committed to that dream every day of his life.”
Edited by Maya Dawson | mdawson@themaneater.com
Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com
Edited by Emilia Hansen | ehansen@themaneater.com
Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com