By Zack Sampson, News Staff
Members of the Northeastern community gathered yesterday in Blackman Auditorium to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while inspiring attendees to promote his ideals.
The event, sponsored by the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute, featured entertainment and speeches intended by Northeastern officials to inspire students and remember Dr. King.
“As a university, not only are we celebrating diversity, but we are trying on a daily basis, to establish a relationship with each other based on non-violence,” Northeastern President Joseph Aoun said at the event. “We are not there yet. Society is not there yet, but certainly this university lives it on a daily basis.”
Aoun commented on Dr. King’s legacy, focusing on the principles of diversity and non-violence and their relevance to Northeastern.
Drum group IntaAfrika, the Unity Gospel Ensemble and singer Marchelle Jacques-Yarde performed musical pieces during the ceremony. Select Northeastern faculty members spoke at the assembly, including Director of the John D. O’ Bryant African-American Institute Dr. Richard O’ Bryant. Student Government Association (SGA) President Ryan Fox and MLK Graduate Fellow Marsha White read excerpts from some of Dr. King’s prominent speeches.
Recently confirmed Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and Northeastern alumnus Roderick L. Ireland gave the keynote address. His speech focused on Dr. King’s singular ability to make a significant change in the world.
“The power of one, that is what resonates with me as I consider the life of Dr. King,” Ireland said. “The power of one, that is ultimately the force that lies within each of us today. As individuals, we can’t do everything, but as individuals, we still can do something.”
Continued promotion of Dr. King’s ideals was a significant theme throughout the convocation. Speakers sought not only to recognize Dr. King’s achievements, but also to encourage members of the crowd to further his mission.
“[We must] continue to ask the question, in the spirit of Dr. King: What are we doing for others?” O’Bryant said.
Ireland later reminded attendees about the steps that still must be taken in order to provide equality for all Americans.
“While significant gains have been made, much remains to be done; for we are far from achieving the equality that Dr. King would have wanted or expected,” Ireland said.
Ireland’s address, in particular, drew a significant response from the audience.
“Chief Justice Ireland, I thought his speech was really inspiring, thought-provoking, and really, really powerful,” sophomore international business major Darryn Nementzik said. “It resonated deeply, I think, with myself and I’m sure, the community.”
The assembly also attracted many people from outside the university’s community. Massachusetts State Representative Gloria Fox (D-Roxbury) and students from three local high schools (the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, the Balfour Academy, and the John D. O’ Bryant School of Mathematics and Science) came to campus to participate in the ceremony.
Recently, the high schools have sent student attendees each year. Some said they believe this is a particularly important feature of the annual service.
Joseph Feaster, Northeastern alumnus and 31 year member of the Northeastern University Corporation, believes the expansion of the audience to surrounding communities is critical.
“It’s important to always let folks understand their history, and oftentimes, in our communities, our young people aren’t taught the history,” he said. “So this is really the only time for them to get reflective. It’s a learning experience for them.”
Multiple members of the audience expressed satisfaction with the convocation.
“It was really a fantastic and truly amazing, inspiring event,” Nementzik said. “I came here last year and I mark this as one of the most important events of the year, and I intend to come here until I graduate.”
