Posters of Black Activists, writers, and historic figures lined the pathway to the fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, held in The Wojcik Conference Center on January 21st.
This year’s event featured performances by M.A.D.D Rhythms, Evon J. Sams, Kirby Fellis and his ensemble, and the presentation of an award to faculty member Samuel Gomez.
While past MLK celebrations have always acknowledged Black history, community unity, and pride, this year’s speakers acknowledged concerns about the current political administration.
Among the featured speakers was Chicago historian and activist Shermann “Dilla” Thomas.
Thomas opened his program by acknowledging the fear surrounding MLK Jr. Day.
“We live in a world today where having a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program is enough to have your program’s accreditation threatened,” Thomas explained.
Thomas referred to the erasure of Black history by the current presidential administration in recent months, which has labeled such material as “anti-American.” Cultural institutions, museums, and colleges alike have faced scrutiny from the administration for their cultural preservation efforts.
Known as a historian, Thomas recognized the importance of preserving history. The activist emphasized community building alongside advocacy for justice.
“If you are a student here and you see Asian American homies at Harper College got an event, take your butt there and go, you don’t gotta be Asian American,” Thomas encouraged. “If the Irish homies are doing something for St. Patrick’s Day, you put on your green, you go pinch somebody, and you go show up for them, because that is how we build community.”
Dr. Tamara A. Johnson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, noted that Thomas’ message reflects a shift from past MLK events.
“We invited Shermann ‘Dilla’ Thomas, a well-known Chicago historian and storyteller, to help connect Dr. King’s legacy to the history, culture, and ongoing work of justice in our own community,” Dr. Johnson said. “His message emphasized the importance of understanding local history as a foundation for civic engagement and collective responsibility.”
For many students, Thomas’ call to action on community building and history preservation at the MLK Jr. event offered a chance to reflect.
Hannah Miller, a third-year student, attended the event and reflected on MLK’s legacy and his work.
“Dr. King’s legacy proves that the pen can be just as mighty as the sword,” Miller said. “Words are powerful. With the power of assembly, the world can be changed, and bigotry can be conquered.”
Some students, while reflecting on the importance of MLK Jr’s work, emphasized the importance of socializing.
Kunbi Aransiola, Student Trustee of Harper College, came to the event to introduce Thomas but left reflecting on the importance of building community.
“Preserving history is important, especially with these different, smaller groups of people that don’t get their voices heard very often compared to their other counterparts,” Aransiola said. “It’s not just a way to make sure you avoid pitfalls; it can also be used as a tool and a method to raise everybody up as well.”
For a link to get involved with Harper’s community, click here.
