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A “Beloved Community” at Emory & Henry

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On Monday, Jan. 21, the Emory & Henry College community came together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and explore the possibilities of creating “the beloved community” within our own.

A standing room only crowd of students, faculty and staff listened to student music groups and speakers in the McGlothlin Center for the Arts in a kickoff to the day. The full “I have a Dream” speech by Dr. King was played and a group sing of We Shall Overcome ended the kickoff event.

During the day, nearly many students attended eight breakout sessions to discuss and share in small groups about topics from “Dream On: A Writing Workshop” to “Step Up and Stand Out.” Dr. King believed the violence from conflict one of the three greatest world evils. Students discussed how to ensure conflicts don’t escalate to violent confrontations in the session entitled “Practical Studies for Resolving Conflict.” In another session, “Us” and “Them,” participants explored social groups and identity and the importance of our being connected with others as a part of who we are.

The day ended with a keynote address, “A Seat at the Table: Realizing King’s Dream in the Face of Deferred Realities,” by Rev. Kevin Vandier at 7:30 p.m. in King Center Gymnasium. 

Born in Anderson, S.C., Rev. Vandier was raised in a Baptist household and has been involved with organizations working to better local communities, including the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools and numerous youth programs at various churches. He spoke on Dr. King’s idea of the “Beloved Community” and how it can best become a more present reality for people who believe in justice and freedom.

“This day is important to so many students and community members. We are really working hard to ensure that MLK Day is thought-provoking, celebratory and memorable to all who participate with us,” said Mary K. Briggs, college chaplain. “This is a day for our faculty and students to come together and work on solutions to division. It is not just a day off of school or work.”

Prior to the MLK Day Celebration, several related events were held such as a showing of “Human-The Movie,”  providing a view of the struggles of poverty, war, homophobia and the future of our world.

The Tunnel of Oppression, held on Sunday, provided interactive experiential vignettes of different types of oppression, followed by meaningful discussion about solutions to oppression.

For photos of the event, please see our gallery.

Open gallery

Rev. Kevin Vandiver
Rev. Kevin Vandiver
This day is important to so many students and community members. We are really working hard to ensure that MLK Day is thought-provoking, celebratory and memorable to all who participate with us.
-Mary K. Briggs, College Chaplain

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