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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Lawrence University hosts annual MLK celebration honoring civil rights icon

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President Laurie A. Carter | Official website

President Laurie A. Carter | Official website

The Fox Cities community gathered on Monday evening to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Lawrence University's 34th Annual Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The event featured speeches about King's lasting influence and performances by the first-ever Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir, the Lawrence student band NOIR, and Preston Parker with The Ọmọladé Academy.

Alison Scott-Williams, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lawrence, welcomed attendees to Memorial Chapel. She remarked on King's eloquence and dedication to service, encouraging everyone to emulate his values.

Despite frigid temperatures outside, warmth filled the chapel during the celebration. Charisse Burden-Stelly, a Black studies scholar and author, delivered a keynote address emphasizing love for community as a source of strength, echoing King's principles.

The ceremony included two awards: Pastor Mahnie Williams received the Jane LaChapelle McCarty MLK Community Leader Award for supporting oppressed voices and impacting the community; Dr. Omobolade Delano-Oriaran was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Educator Award for contributions in education aligned with King's spirit.

In addition to Lawrence University, several organizations supported the event: People of Progression, Appleton Area School District, United Way Fox Cities, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, City of Appleton, Boldt, and ThedaCare. It was organized by the MLK Planning Committee led by Jesús Smith and Laura Jones.

Scott-Williams highlighted that honoring King's memory involves reflecting on past achievements while continuing efforts toward his dream through service and dedication.

NOIR performed during the celebration's closing segment alongside a community choir led by Seckou Soumare and children from The Ọmọladé Academy.

Smith emphasized that remembering King is crucial for recognizing ongoing struggles for justice across diverse communities.

"MLK is a very powerful figure to so many people," Smith stated. "This commemoration once a year... helps people to remember that justice is always about a struggle."

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