Kelly Rulison
Copy Editor
Reflection readings of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I have a dream speech’ were read on Jan. 20.
These readings took place in Trimpe 141 and started off with a ‘welcome remark’ by Dr. Mumba Mumba.
“The purpose of the MLK event was to honor Dr. King’s work by sharing his memorable speeches with students and the wider campus community. The event was intended for all of us to reflect on the impact Dr. King’s speeches had on the civil rights movement but also to challenge all of us to continue fighting against all inequalities.” said LC Associate Professor of Speech, Dr. Mumba Mumba.
Mumba continued, “I am hoping that the audience was moved by Dr. King’s powerful rhetoric as well as his unwavering passion for social justice. Dr. King’s boldness and eloquence in face of serious oppression should serve as an example for all.”
The first reading came from Lewis and Clark Community College students Desiree Kellum and Andrea Wright, reading the ‘Montgomery Improvement Association Mass Meeting Speech’ delivered at Holt Street Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama on Dec. 5, 1955.
The next reading came from LC students Callie Logan and Gail Drillinger, reading ‘Give Us the Ballot’, Address at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom in Washington, D.C. delivered on May 17 1957.
Following that speech was LC students Alexis Noud and O’Livia Bowles reading ‘Speech’ at the Freedom Rally at Cobo Hall in Detroit on June 23, 1963.
The next reading came from LC staff Jen Cline and Louise Jett for the ‘I have a Dream’ Speech Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
Up next was ‘Eulogy for the Martyred Children’ on Sept. 18, 1963 at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama. This speech was delivered by LC staff Peter Hussey and Dr. Jill Lane.
Following that speech was ‘The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life’ on April 9, 1967 at New Covenant Baptist Church, Chicago. This speech was given by LC staff Summer McPeake and Dr. Mumba Mumba.
The next reading came from Stephen Hindelang reciting the ‘What Is Your Life’s Blueprint’ delivered on Oct. 26, 1967 at Barratt Junior High School, Philadelphia.
Immediately following the last speech was an audience reflection that was facilitated by Dr. Mumba Mumba and Dr. Kelly Obernuefermann.
“We had a great turn out. I am thankful to all the committed participants, the students and faculty members and community members who came to support the event,” Mumba said.
For more information about the MLK speeches email Dr. Mumba Mumba mmumba@lc.edu.
