Boston University’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration on January 20 focused on a current reflection of the strides King’s ideas have made and what further actions need to be taken in order to create equality for all. The event, entitled From Inner Strength to a Revolution of Hope: Fresh Reflection on King’s Legacy, started with a welcome from Dean Elmore, who introduced Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey. Markey discussed what King would have wanted: income equality, immigrant rights, strengthening of Obamacare, and LGBT and women’s rights. In addition to performances from Inner Strength Gospel Choir and a collaboration between Roxbury Youth Orchestra and BU Hip-Hop, comedian W. Kamau Bell presented a keynote that attempted to “end racism in an hour.” Bell’s socio-political comedy opened up a discussion of racism and the connotation of race. Race, he suggested, is a social construct that separates people from each other. The event’s modern interpretation and extension of MLK’s cause demonstrated the need for equality and respect among all.
All photos by Carol Chin