MLK, celebrated and remembered
Doug Proctor
Issue date: 2/11/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
On January 29, members of the Colby community came together in Lorimer Chapel to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The election and inauguration of the first ever African-American President in United States history gave the celebration special significance, and highlighted an overwhelming hope and desire for peace and equality.
Among various student groups that put on performances was the African Drumming JanPlan class, taught and led by Colby Professor of African Drumming and Togo native Messan Jordan Benissan.
Over JanPlan, students studied the fundamentals of African music, not only learning how to use a wide array of traditional African musical instruments but also studying the tradition of song and dance. In combination, the forty-some students filled the halls of Lorimer Chapel with rhythm and spirit, compelling many attendees to join in.
Following the African Drumming class's performance was a similarly musical performance by student-run step group DYNASTY. The step group combined its routine with periodic references to the trials associated with the civil rights movement.
While the celebration's focus centered around the struggle of Dr. King and the fight he undertook to make the United States a place equal for all, international students from all corners of the world involved themselves to deliver a similar message.
One after another, students from different countries spoke in different languages, followed by an English translation, in sharing their hopes for equality, peace, and justice.
Athul Ravunniarath '11, an Indian native from Cochin, Kerala, said in his mother tongue, Malayalam, "The dream for equality is universal, regardless of race, gender, or nationality."
Wendy Chen '12, a Chinese student from Shanghai, speaking in Mandarin, shared her wishes for "no conflict or fighting around the world," and in particular, for a "peaceful end to the Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed."
The celebration provided a venue for the Colby community to remember the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and move forward with his ideals for peace, justice and equality.
The election and inauguration of the first ever African-American President in United States history gave the celebration special significance, and highlighted an overwhelming hope and desire for peace and equality.
Among various student groups that put on performances was the African Drumming JanPlan class, taught and led by Colby Professor of African Drumming and Togo native Messan Jordan Benissan.
Over JanPlan, students studied the fundamentals of African music, not only learning how to use a wide array of traditional African musical instruments but also studying the tradition of song and dance. In combination, the forty-some students filled the halls of Lorimer Chapel with rhythm and spirit, compelling many attendees to join in.
Following the African Drumming class's performance was a similarly musical performance by student-run step group DYNASTY. The step group combined its routine with periodic references to the trials associated with the civil rights movement.
While the celebration's focus centered around the struggle of Dr. King and the fight he undertook to make the United States a place equal for all, international students from all corners of the world involved themselves to deliver a similar message.
One after another, students from different countries spoke in different languages, followed by an English translation, in sharing their hopes for equality, peace, and justice.
Athul Ravunniarath '11, an Indian native from Cochin, Kerala, said in his mother tongue, Malayalam, "The dream for equality is universal, regardless of race, gender, or nationality."
Wendy Chen '12, a Chinese student from Shanghai, speaking in Mandarin, shared her wishes for "no conflict or fighting around the world," and in particular, for a "peaceful end to the Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed."
The celebration provided a venue for the Colby community to remember the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and move forward with his ideals for peace, justice and equality.
Be the first to comment on this story