17th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration

Published March 2, 2016

The Annual CSULB Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrated its 17th year and honored diversity and Black History Month. The event theme, "Peace in Diversity: Creating a Culture of Change," focused on overcoming obstacles related to racism and stereotypes as well as emphasizing justice for all people.  

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Attendees at the MLK Jr. celebration.
The event began with a CSULB American Indian Community Drum performance by Professor Craig Stone. The song was similar to a National Anthem and highlighted peace and the importance of creating a culture of change. 

Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Department of Africana Studies, gave the libation and the audience reacted strongly with praise and a round of applause. He poured for Dr. King, Malcom X and other significant members of history, as well as African American ancestors.

President Conoley welcomed the crowd and thanked the students, staff and faculty for displaying their “badge of honor” in regards to the excellent diversity at The Beach.

“Let’s discuss controversial situations that are occurring on campus, across our nation, and around the world. Let’s do it with the intent to learn, and to create a more perfect Beach,” Conoley said.

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MLK Dedication Essay winner shares his work.
MLK Dedication Essay winner shares his work.

Each year, a student from The Beach wins a prize for writing an essay related to Dr. King. John Broadway won this year’s MLK Dedication Essay. During the event he recited a section of his essay.

Other performances included a poetry reading from Mary Harris-Robinson, Director of the Multicultural Center, a dance performance by Renaissance High School and another poetry reading from Alumni “Philosophy” Charlie Scott.  All three performances expressed the tragic realism of racism and stereotypes.

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Dancers from Renaissance High School performed.
Dancers from Renaissance High School performed. 

For the second year, Pastor William D. Smart Jr. gave a keynote address to reiterate Dr, King’s inspirational dream for all people to be created equal. He emphasized Dr. King’s famous quote, “we may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration emphasized empowerment, accepting diversity and celebrating the triumphs that have been overcome. The event was a collaborative effort between Associated Students Inc. along with the CSULB Black Faculty and Staff, the Multicultural Center, Department of American Indian Studies and numerous other organizations.

Written by Kara Ihrig