鶹ѡstudents, faculty, staff and community honored and reflected on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during a commemoration featuring a dialogue centered on resilience, faith, justice and collective well-being. The panel discussion was held in the 鶹ѡStudent Center Ballroom before an audience of 230 people.
The panel discussion, “Keeping Joy, Faith and ‘The Dream’ Alive in Uncertain Times,” offered thoughtful perspectives on hope, purpose and progress. Co-chairs of the event were Katie Mattise, executive director, Learning, Engagement and Belonging and Shana Lee, assistant dean of students and director of Parents and Families Engagement. The event commemoration was hosted by Yvonna Washington-Greer, Ph.D., associate vice president for Belonging, Engagement and Success in the Division of Student Life.
Before the panel discussion began, 鶹ѡPresident Todd Diacon thanked the organizers of the commemoration and welcomed those in attendance. He said with the implementation of new state laws, disturbing events nationally, and uncertainty here and abroad, it is important for individuals to protect themselves in order to protect others.
“For those of you with identities based in and influenced by faith and the practice of your faith perhaps you are finding solace in navigating these times,” Diacon said. “For those in the helping and healing professions, now more than ever I salute your work. To our professors, thank you. And students you remind us of why we are here. Take care of yourselves because moving forward in today’s world means protecting yourselves to support and protect others. Being here is important, being here is who we are.”
The panel discussion was moderated by , assistant athletic director of student-athlete development and leadership in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Discussion panelists included:
Rev. Ryan Johanning, executive director of Interfaith Campus Ministry at the Stark Campus
Marteece’ D. Waters, resource specialist in the Office of University Outreach and Engagement
Sarah Schmidt, Ph.D., director of the Washington Program in National Issues and assistant professor in the Department of Political Science
The discussion touched on the duality of this moment in history, while there is uncertainty there is still the ability to experience joy.
Moderator Hollins asked the panelists to discuss what are the most urgent prioritites as we try to keep King’s dream alive. Johanning said when we wake up every morning we must see the joy, passion and a sense of purpose that will help us thrive.
Waters said young people and people in attendance at the event need to see the vision because people are moved by what they see.
“As leaders in our departments and leaders in our offices, in our fields and in the work that we do, our job is to create the picture for those to see it. And those who see it will be drawn to it, and they will see the opportunity and vision we create for them.”
The panelists discussed the duality that is seen in communities represented by the strong forces that are bringing fear and despair verses the community support and bravery that have been displayed. It feels like King’s dream is under attack, but as he once said silence in moments like this is complicity, Schmidt recalled.
“When you have voices that are powerful and have the ability to make decisions, there likewise has to be another side to that, which looks at the human experience, and that looks at communities that are hurt, that are under attack, that are terrorized,” Schmidt said. “And the duality comes out in spaces as well because we see everyday people in our communities stepping up and speaking out against that.”
Watch Kent State’s Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration here: