Penn State Graduate Students Lead State College Event Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life and Legacy

Centre County community members and Penn State students gathered Thursday to commemorate the life, legacy and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. Held on the anniversary of King’s April 4, 1968 assassination, the event was hosted by the State College Borough Racial Equity Board and was facilitated through the tireless work of several Penn State graduate students.

Showcasing numerous music and poetry performances and interactive discussions, focused on commemorating the civil rights leader’s life and death, the event was held held at the CBICC office next to the MLK Plaza in State College and kicked off with a welcome address from Penn State graduate student Carmin Wong.

Wong talked about her experiences on the Racial Equity Board and how Kings’ teachings continue to apply today.

Immediately following the opening remarks, the community members, led by graduate student Kesla Elmore, joined together in the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem.

Following this, attendees were serenaded with a poetry reading from Gabriel Pulido, another Penn State student. Pulido read numerous poems from the creative and academic genres, including those of Black female contemporary poets Lucille Clifton, Ariana Brown, and Alice Walker. Pulido additionally shared some of his own original work.

Next, audience members heard an excerpt from one of King’s speeches, read by graduate student Pheolyn Allen, with additional self-composed commentary.

The reading was a heartfelt commentary on the significance of King’s anti-war sentiment and how it continues to apply to the present day.

Participants were then serenaded with a tuba performance by Jaden Adkins, a graduate student pursuing his MFA in musical performance.

Ph.D. student Sean Hambrick followed the performance with a reading of his own writing, titled “Unshackled!,” which serves as a commentary on Black history and education.

Hembrick talked about his experiences as a Black educator and the value of teaching Black history. He discussed how educators and communities must continue to intertwine Black history teachings with American history.

Kesla Elmore returned to share work and reflections on King’s legacy and what work remains to be done 55 years after his death.

The penultimate speaker was Takina Walker, another master’s student, who shared the history of Coretta Scott and her relationship with King. Her story of love and romance brought up the significance of Black women and their role in King’s legacy.

The evening’s keynote speaker was graduate student Morgan Robinson, who engaged the audience by posing multiple questions about their experience and knowledge of Black community history. Her guiding question was, “How can we use the Black community tradition of organizing to keep the movement in motion forward?” Through her speech, participants reflected on King’s dream and what it looks like today.

Community members came forward to share their experiences and stories relating to the event and King’s legacy.

The evening wrapped up with conversations, laughs and food provided by the hosts.