This year was the 25th anniversary of Capital University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning. The day started with an 8 a.m. community meeting and a procession at 9 a.m. to Mees Hall located in The Conservatory of Music, where the keynote address was given by historic civil rights activist, Terrance Roberts. Students and members of the community alike gathered to hear him speak.
During the event, there were music performances from The Chapel Choir and Voices of Praise Gospel Choir
Roberts was one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of nine African-American students in 1957 who were among the first black students ever to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In his address Roberts spoke of some of his experiences and the ignorance he had dealt with.
“I was armed with a law and a custom that says ‘Terry Roberts you don’t count for much because you are in a society cloaked in black skin, didn’t you know black skin is wrong skin for real people to be in…'”
His address spoke to the struggles he went through as a child and how at a young age he learned the importance of “taking responsibility for your education.” At the end he was met with a standing ovation by the crowd.
Along with the keynote address, there were various workshop on rights and racism such as “A Q & A with Terrence Roberts,” “When Politics Divide, how should Religions Respond? Religious Inclusivity in a Polarized World” presented by Pastor Gary, “To Women, From Black Men” presented by the Ebony Brotherhood Association, “Black Music And Black Power In The Age Of #BlackLivesMatter 2015” led by Dr. Mark A. Lomax, II.
Along with the workshops, there were also works from the Schumacher Gallery located in the Blackmore library, food and music at the jazz luncheon, and activities for children.
