Lorain County Community College hosted its “Echoes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr” event Jan. 16, a day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Kianna McIntire-Pharms introduced the speakers for the event and the Jeff Meyers Band Quartet played music to open and close the commemoration of King at the college, 1005 N. Abbe Road in Elyria.
After remarks Lorain County Community College President Marcia Ballinger, PhD, LCCC Division Dean Denise Douglas, PhD, spoke largely focusing on historical information of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Douglas talked about how the initial act did not cover every base regarding equality, such as the lack of inclusion of people with disabilities.
“We must acknowledge past victories while embracing current challenges with renewed determination,” she said.
Douglas wrapped up her words urging people to take action to promote social justice.
“Seek out uncomfortable conversations, challenge implicit biases and amplify marginalized voices,” she said. “Engage in community service, bridge the divides within your circles, champion policies that promote economic and educational justice.”
After Douglas spoke, keynote speaker Parris Smith, president and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League, took the podium.
One of Smith’s main points was how people can connect history with action in the present.
“The challenges we face may be difficult, but the essence of our struggle remains consistent,” she said. “Today, we embrace the responsibilities to build upon the foundation built by our predecessors.”
Smith reminded those in attendance, that they are in a good position to be forces of change.
“Faculty and students: you are not just witnesses to history, you are the architects of the future,” she said. “You as educators and students, are the tools for personal growth and the catalysts for societal transformation.”
Smith reiterated how important it is to remember the words of leaders in the past and to let them inspire you.
“I know we talk about Martin Luther King’s dream, but once he gave us the dream, we had to run with it and do something with it,” she said. “We’re empowered to dream, but we’re also empowered to act.”
Smith also announced the action the Lorain County Urban League plans to take in 2024 under the National Urban League’s “D3” campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to defend democracy, demand diversity and defeat poverty.
Fair voting practices are a main concern of the defend democracy point, Smith said.
“We must demand a full restoration of the Voting Rights Act,” she said. “We demand fair representation in Congress and state legislation, and an end to race-based gerrymandering.
“We demand freedom of expression and freedom of speech, and we will not comply with book bans and warped lesson plans designed to erase us from history.”
Parris elaborated on what it means to demand diversity.
“We must level the playing field so our children and our children’s children have an equal opportunity for success,” she said.
The third part of the campaign, aimed at defeating poverty, is going to be focused on improving a range of services.
“In order to close all racial income and wealth gaps, we will focus on closing gaps in education, health care, housing and justice,” Smith said.
