By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Author David W. Robinson- Morris, giving a keynote address at the annual MLK Unity Lecture on Feb.5, in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom.
The university kicked off Black History Month, with the annual “Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Unity Lecture,” on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The lecture featured David W. Robinson-Morris, award-winning author of “Ubuntu and Buddhism in Higher Education: An Ontological Rethinking,” delivered a thought-provoking keynote address.
“Over the bluntness of materialism and the rampant racism of white America, it was then his time when he reinforced his call for us to recognize and heal what he called our national soul sickness,” Robinson-Morris said. “I joined him in this call today.”
In his address, “A Time for Reflection & Action: MLK’s Revolution of Values,” Robinson-Morris urged attendees to not only reflect on MLK’s impact, but to also take steps in advancing the fight for social justice today.
Students, faculty, staff and members of the general public gathered for an opportunity to honor and celebrate the legacy of civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr.
The scholar said that MLK would be disappointed in the acts of injustice that are normalized in today’s world.
“I imagine Dr King would say ‘this is not just,’ in a moment when our community and our campuses are seeing heightened criminal decriminalization of people of the global majority, and an increase in discrimination and violence against trans, queer, gender non conforming peoples and so called, ‘undocumented peoples,’” Robinson-Morris said.
Robinson-Morris also shed light on the rampant violence that harms communities.
“We and our children, our futures, are being murdered in the very places where we should feel safe,” Robinson-Morris said.
Along with highlighting ongoing gun-violence, Robinson-Morris criticizes the contradictions in the actions of national leaders.
He emphasizes their failure to protect life despite claims of doing so.
“The seat of national power claims to be pro-life, but only failing to protect life, by altering the ways in which assault weapons can be purchased and by attempting to limit access to healthcare and vital services,” Robinson-Morris said.
As Robinson-Morris delivered his message, many audience members said his words were a reminder that they are still fighting the same injustices that MLK faced.
Sports and exercise science major Rakeem Fuller, a sophomore, said that Robinson-Morris’ call to action deeply resonated with him.
“The biggest takeaway I got was that we all need to create a revolution to restore the heart, mind, and soul of America,” Fuller said.
To resist the oppression, Robinson-Morris said that more people pursuing higher education is a step towards a better future.
“Argued to be America’s longest standing industry is higher education,” Robinson-Morris said. “It shapes and develops the future mind and the leaders of the country.”
Social work major Alexcia Murphy, a sophomore, said that she noticed how valuable the importance of higher education is since President Trump was elected into office.
“Trump trying to defund education, all results back to if you can control how someone learns you can control how one thinks,” Murphy said.
As Robinson-Morris left the audience with food for thought about the political and social climate of today’s world, he concluded with a moving quote from Martin Luther King Jr., urging immediate action for change.
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now,” Robinson-Morris said. “In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late.
