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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner

By Madeleine Cerone

I stood behind the table and watched as the guests poured in from the dark, frigid night. It was arguably the coldest night of the year, but that didn’t stop the students, faculty, and staff from coming to sit inside Tolles Pavilion for a wonderful celebration of the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.

As I followed the last of our guests into the Annex, I could sense the positivity and happiness in the room. Everyone was excited, expectantly waiting for the speakers to address the room. First we heard a wonderful address from BLSU co-presidents Kristen and Imani. These ladies welcomed us all with smiles and pride, as they helped to host this annual event. 

Trays and trays of SoulOne12's empanadas, chicken wings, and salad stood before us at the end of the room. As we waited for the food to be served, our guests engaged in a myriad of conversations. Topics ranged from our subject of study to the two “phases” of Martin Luther King Jr.’s activism, as well as the relationship between imperialism and the oppression of Black people in America. Listening to Vice President Sean Bennett and Professor Westmaas talk about their experiences in education and about their lived Black experience was an absolute treat.

Vice President Sean Bennett was the speaker of the evening. When he took the stand, the room hushed and went still. Vice President Bennett reminded us that Martin Luther King Jr. was not just an activist or a reverend, but also a father, and his childhood idol. Martin Luther King’s works and beliefs were very close to Dr. Bennett’s family and community, and he encouraged us to hold them to a similar importance. He pointed out that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful approach to activism and reform was powerful, and it was different. It shocked the leaders of our nation into paying attention. However, Vice President Bennett reminded us that Martin Luther King Jr.’s radical beliefs were also significant, and although his protests were peaceful, his mission was filled with passion and rigor. 

Martin Luther King Jr.’s goal was to instill justice, create equity, and abolish the prejudiced, racist systems of our society that denied Black people of America their promised rights and freedoms. But I truly believe that through this goal, Martin Luther King has made the world a more accepting place for everyone. 

To close off the night, our lovely president of BLSU, Kristen, bestowed the Martin Luther King Jr. award to Dr. Westmaas. Dr. Westmaas is the Chair and Associate Professor of Africana Studies, and he was recognized not only for his intelligence and desire to continue Martin Luther King’s mission, but also for his kindness. His knack for creating a rapport with students that enhances their learning and their love of African culture is unique and his smile is contagious. Just sitting with him for a few hours at this dinner gave me insight to his charisma and wisdom.

As I left the Martin Luther King Jr. dinner and stepped out into the icy cold weather, I could tell that my heart was warm. Thank you to DMC Director Paola Lopez, ISS Director Dr. Bonike, the members of the Black and Latinx Student Union, and my fellow DMC Ambassadors for continuing this wonderful tradition.



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Office / Department Name

Days-Massolo Center

Contact Name

Koboul E. Mansour, Ph.D

Director of the Days-Massolo Center

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Days-Massolo Center

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