BSU honors King

Every year, celebrations are held throughout the world to honor the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Unfortunately, no campus in the Peralta Community College District ever organizes any programs.

This year, the Laney Black Student Union (BSU) changed that.

BSU, in collaboration with Club Knowledge, hosted “The Real King: More than a Dreamer,” Jan. 22 at noon on the Laney Quad. The event featured readings of Dr. King’s speeches and quotes, as well as poetry inspired by Dr. King’s message, life and legacy. And his work.

“Most people see King’s birthday as a day off or even a day just to get holiday pay,” said Laney BSU President Reginald James. “But his work means so much more our people.”

The idea of doing an event about the “real” King was inspired by what the BSU sees as the corporate takeover of King’s message. Opposed to focusing on the so-called “I Have a Dream” speech, BSU wants to raise awareness of his other positions–after
August 1963–and how they relate to what’s going on in the world today.

“King would be organizing opposition to the War in Iraq, against police brutality,” said James, “and he would’ve been for our reparations.”

The BSU sees King’s legacy as an example of the need for Black people to be unified and organized.

“King would want the descendants of former slaves to organize themselves,” said BSU Vice-President Andrea Spearman. “Then he would want them to join with the descendants of slaveowners, and all people; so we unite as one people with one aim, guided by one God.”

The BSU expects King will be honored at Laney for years to come.
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Back to Laney Defender's February 2008 issue.