WCC emphasizes student voices in virtual MLK event

by DOINA PLOP
Deputy editor

“The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around. That’s a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Jan. 14, WCC hosted a special virtual event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme of the event, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars,” was inspired by the challenges of 2020.

The virtual event, open to all faculty, staff, students, and the public, hosted almost 200 people.

“It’s probably never been a more important time for us all to take a collective pause to reflect on our own humanity and our individual roles in creating a more just world,” said Kimberly Hurns, vice president of instruction at WCC.

“Dr. King believed in peaceful protests. Dr. King believed in standing up for the rights of others. If we truly honor Dr. King, we will incorporate some of his beliefs into our life,” said Rose B. Bellanca, WCC president. Bellanca encouraged all to live MLK’s legacy and to try to make a difference.

Students were invited to share their thoughts and contribute to the event as guest speakers. No outside speakers were invited. “As we think about what we need to do as a nation to move forward, it is going to require us to listen to the youth and their perspectives,” said Hurns.

Two students submitted videos that were played during the event.

“Some people do not understand the protests of BLM, the walls that we face being homosexual, what it is to be [HIV] positive and wonder if the president is going to stop the medication from coming,” said Laurence Wilson, a WCC student and member of Phi Theta Kappa.

After a short introduction, Wilson sang “We Shall Overcome,” a key song in the American civil rights movement. “When I think of ‘We Shall Overcome,’ I think of the past and how our ancestors were able to be strong and overcome.”

While singing, Wilson mentioned Breonna Taylor, Aura Rosser, Kelly Stough, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Kevin Bacon, Diona Johnson, Cicely Lee Bolden, and Glorius Kyarikunda: All victims of police brutality, domestic violence, or killed because of their race or sexual orientation.

Wilson said he believes that humans still have many obstacles to overcome to reach equality, but he remains hopeful. He ended his contribution by saying “We shall overcome, the Black men, the gay men, the fat men. All men, one day, we shall overcome.”

“If I could change anything, it would be the perception that people have of the Black community. People have specific ideas of what the Black community is and can do and that causes them to think of us as lower. We are just as capable as anybody else,” said Joshua Harris, president of the Black Student Union.

“WCC is doing a great job making people feel welcome and equal,” said Harris but he encouraged institutions to teach more about the Black community’s history, accomplishments, and important figures. He also encouraged Black students to get their education. “Our ancestors had to fight for their education,” said Harris.

“There are many things to advocate for and protest about, but I want our students to know that they are our protest,” said Hurns. “It’s our mission to make a positive change and a difference in people’s lives through education.”

The event featured WCC’s second “Equity in Action” award ceremony, which recognized staff members who stood out in their work to create a more inclusive environment at WCC.

The 2021 Equity in Action Award was given to the Human Library team and Shari Piracha, student services support staff member.

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