MLK Jr. Breakfast Kicks Off Black History Month Celebration
February 13, 2012
From L to R: Mackenson Charles, BSAC President; Evelyn Norman, Alumna & NAACP 1st V. Pres., Boston Chapter; President Carluccio; Michael Curry, Keynote Speaker
Newton, MA—Students, faculty and community members attended the 14th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on February 9, 2012. This event was the first in a series to kick off Mount Ida College’s Black History Month celebrations. The breakfast themed “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” was a full house with standing room only. “I‘m extremely pleased with the turnout of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast,” said Roxanne Longoria, Director of Multicultural Affairs. “It’s exciting to see our students come together to learn about the triumphs and tribulations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other individuals who have changed the course of American history.”
Leadership Encourages Activism and Engagement
The breakfast began with an introduction from Mackenson Charles, President of the Black Student Achievement Coalition (BSAC), who welcomed students to the highly anticipated event. Following Charles’ opening remarks, Dr. Lance Carluccio, President of Mount Ida College, recalled how Dr. King faced adversity, yet persisted on in his fight for Civil Rights. In continuing to keep Dr. King’s dream alive, Dr. Carluccio believes Mount Ida’s programs are “proof of students’ achievements and academic engagements” that leads them to realize their individual responsibilities towards inspiring positive change around the world.
Mr. Michael Curry Challenges Discrimination
The keynote speaker at the breakfast, Mr. Michael Curry, NAACP President of the Boston Chapter, focused on the need for continued vigilance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of racial and social equality, reiterating that King’s work is not finished. Throughout his address, he asked students to consider important questions reflecting today’s landscape of social and racial injustice, including what inspires people to challenge institutions and laws that are discriminatory. He also invited students to get involved with Boston’s NAACP Chapter. Mr. Curry, along with Evelyn Norman, NAACP 1st Vice President of the Boston Chapter and an alumna of Mount Ida College, are launching an internship program that will offer opportunities for local college students to gain advocacy and research experience.
Students Share in Cultural Traditions
In addition to the keynote address, students were moved by songs from “Melodies from Heaven”, Mount Ida’s Gospel Choir. Following the Gospel Choir’s first performance, Renia Phoenix, Member of the Mount Ida Step Team, memorialized the legacy of Dr. King through her spoken word poem, “What is Peace?” After her performance, four student organizations participated in a candle lighting ceremony in honor of Dr. King, including the President of Gay/Straight Alliance Kristen Cesaroni, Treasurer of BSAC Evelyn Edouard, President of the Student Association for Latinos and Spanish Americans Monica Flores and the President of Diverse Nations United Amanda Nacci. During the month of February, Multicultural Affairs is offering a robust variety of Black History Month programs. Visit MIWeb or the February event calendar to learn about upcoming events.