MLK Week Article

From January 26 to January 29, Susquehanna University sponsored a

week of events commemorating the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The

events included the annual Winter Convocation, the opening reception in the

Lore Degenstein Art Gallery, and a visiting vicar to lead Sunday Chapel

service.

The week started with the Winter Convocation featuring Reverend

Sekou and the Holy Ghost on Thursday, January 26. The event consisted of

various songs, prayers, poetry, and speeches from different campus and

public figures.

Convocation began with greetings from Christian Coleman, class of

2019, and the Universitys President, L. Jay Lemons. Then, after an engaging

performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by Harmonic Combustion, Reverend

Scott Kershner led a call to reflection on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In his discussion, Rev. Kershner explained that there are two religious

voices, one of which he connected to contemporary social justice issues. He

discussed how this voice has prophetic and life-giving power. Through this

voice, individuals can create solidarity with the voiceless and powerless in

society.

After Rev. Kershner delivered his reflection, Jessica Ram, class of 2018,

shared one of her spoken word poems. Then, after an introduction from

Alassane Coulibaly, class of 2017, the performance by Rev. Sekou and the

Holy Ghost began.

 The performance included various songs and chants centered around

contemporary events and social justice movements.

Marquise Richards, a junior at Susquehanna, discussed the value and

educational aspects of the performance.

People hear Martin Luther King Jr. and glorify his peaceful protest,

even though he was also put in jail, Richards explained. He continued,

[people] did not even realize that the Convocation was educational and a

protest all at the same time except they used spoken word and music to get

their point across.

Following the Convocation, the brothers of Phi Mu Delta led a Content

of Character discussion at their house. Richards, the Vice President of

Membership in the fraternity, discussed the importance of the event.

I believe that it is important to unpack what the MLK Convocation was

expressing. It touched on issues from police brutality to representation to

transgender equality, Richards said. This discussion helped us develop a

new sense of empathy and love for those that are different. These difficult

conversations help move the world in a better, even if it just starts at

Susquehanna.

On Saturday, January 28, the Lore Degenstein Gallery revealed their

current exhibition, Photography as Social Conscience: Impassioned

Portrayals of Race in the United States. The exhibition was a national juried

photography show, and included works from Susquehanna students.

 One of the students included in the exhibition is Kane Leighton, a

senior on campus. Leighton explains she uses her art as a way to lend my

place of privilege to amplify the voice of my POC friends.

The final part of the week of celebration was Sunday Chapel led by

Vicar Lenny Duncan on January 29.