St. John’s University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs opened the doors of the D’Angelo Center ballroom to students, faculty and staff on Jan. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The night highlighted and honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a collection of speakers, awardees and performances.
After guests made their way to the designated seating area, the event began with an introduction and a land acknowledgement to recognize the indigenous people who inhabited the region where the campus stands today.
Following the initial opening, University President, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, took the stage to read some of King Jr.’s letter from Birmingham and some words of his own.
“Having the clarity, courage and conscience to stand up for what is right is one of the most important legacies that Dr. King has left us with,” Shanley said. “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Martin Luther King.”
After the remarks, a student announced keynote speakers Alexys Feaster and Jeffrion Aubrey. Feaster, a former NBA executive and a creative strategist, and Aubrey, a former G-League player and the executive director of the Next Gen Basketball Players Union, used the platform to comment on the current political climate and promote a new Hulu show, “Hoops, Hopes & Dreams.”
Both Feaster and Aubrey pulled from their own life and career experiences to provide insight into the professional world and to offer advice to the students in attendance.
Attendees were invited to enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring soul food dishes and mocktails while live music was performed. During this period, guests were encouraged to mingle and talk to new people.
The performance of the night was from Martin Luther King’s fraternity, the Alpha Phi Alphas. The fraternity gave a speech and strolled in commemoration of Dr. King’s legacy.
The pinnacle of the night came when the award recipients were called to the stage to receive their honors. An array of civil rights leaders were represented with these awards. Malcolm X, John Lewis, Audre Lorde, John Baker, Septima Clark and Bayard Rustin all had rewards in their names.
Amongst the award recipients were students and faculty: Marus Hardy, Kevin Reed, Noa Ben-Asher, Amber Wilson, Valent Benedict Guevarra, Nikolai Sotelo, Ermira Uldedaj and Syeda Hijab Fatima.
Fatima spoke with the Torch after receiving the Malcom X award.
“Winning the Malcom X award is truly an honor and shows the importance of service, of giving back to the community,” Fatima said. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity here at St. John’s to make a difference,” she continued.
Kevin Reed, a member of the board of trustees, gave an acceptance speech after receiving the John Lewis Bridge Builder award.
“St. John’s is all in and fully committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, which are deeply rooted in our Vincentian and Catholic vision,” Reed said. “We have the advantage of benefitting from students of many faiths, cultures, languages and life experience,” Reed added.
St. John’s commemorated Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by hosting a dinner in his honor and awarding students and staff who strive to make a difference with their efforts.
