Campus Connection

Media Credit: Doug Linn

On February 6, the University of Maryland commemorated the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the MSTF auditorium. This year’s theme was “Fulfilling the legacy, living the dream.” The celebration featured award presentations, speeches, and musical performances and was followed directly by a luncheon.

Diversity efforts within the university were represented not only by the composition of the audience, but also by the recipients of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Recognition Awards. The awards are presented to individuals who embody equality, justice, and opportunity for all people, ideals that epitomize the life and work of Dr. King. Each year, UMB recognizes an individual and a group who have taken a leadership role or have been a driving force in the diversity effort at the University.

The recipient of the Outstanding UMB Faculty/Staff Award was Larry Gibson, LLB. Gibson, a professor in the School of Law, a successful civil rights lawyer, a political activist, and a dedicated public servant, has served as a role model for aspiring lawyers for more than 30 years at UMB. Professor Gibson is credited with organizing the second black alumni reunion and symposium for the school of Law, where the “Thurgood Marshall’s Early Career in Maryland: 1933-1937” exhibit is housed.  

The Outstanding Student/Student Group Award was given to Project Jump Start (PJS), an organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of homeless individuals and families in the city of Baltimore. Comprised of student volunteers from all UMB campus disciplines, PJS assists the homeless with legal issues, accessing medical care, and receiving mental health and substance abuse treatment in addition to providing food, toiletries, clothing, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental hygiene tips. Several student volunteers of PJS were on stage to receive the award.

Also attending the program were PJS founders Daniel Andersen and Julie Della-Maria, who commented on the accomplishments of PJS.  Andersen feels that “the biggest accomplishment of [PJS] is bringing students from each school together in the pursuit of one . . . injustice which is homelessness”. Della-Maria was excited about the award and the prospects that such an honor holds for the organization. When asked about the growth of PJS since its conception in 2005, she stated that the program has not evolved fast enough. The organization is appreciative to all those who support the various fundraising activities and the ongoing food, clothing, and toiletry drives; however, Della-Maria and others believe that there is much more to be done. Widespread support is necessary to combat homelessness, which is a major public health and social problem in Baltimore. She is hopeful that “earning an award like [the MLK diversity recognition award] will encourage PI mentors, faculty members, staff, and students to contribute more towards future goals such as opening up a free clinic and other endeavors.”

PJS is under the current leadership of Sabrina Powell (President), Jade Bernstein (Secretary), and Eliana Zaideman (Treasurer). From organizing sleepouts to speaking out for those whose voices go unheard, PJS is an organization dedicated to living the dream of Dr. King and fulfilling the legacy he left behind.

Dr. King’s legacy and dream were the heart of the keynote address, delivered by the Honorable Anthony G. Brown.  Inaugurated as Maryland’s eighth lieutenant governor, Brown offered inspiration and issued challenges in line with the legacy of Dr. King to all present. The theme of his address was a reflection on the progress America has made over time. “This year, I hope we can look at our history and see our modern world through his [Dr. King’s] hopeful and optimistic eyes” said Brown. He stressed how far our country has progressed in the 46 years since Dr. King shared his dream. Acknowledging our progress as a nation, Brown challenged the audience to ask the question “What would Dr. King be impressed by or would he be [impressed] by the progress that we’ve made?” With a sincere tone, Brown said that “Yes, he’d be proud of the minds and of the hearts in our society that have become more and more open and united with each passing generation. He’d be hopeful and optimistic. But I dare say he would not be satisfied [and] nor should we be.” But Brown encouraged those present that “like Dr. King, we should be hopeful.”

Brown proposed that the challenges for African Americans of Dr. King’s time are “equally relevant today”. Brown challenged audience members to “rise above the narrow confines of our individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity…to seize this historic inauguration of Barack Obama and move beyond the list of firsts” and “to remember historic moments in time, not because of the color of the accomplisher, but because of the accomplishment.” 

In closing, Lt. Governor Brown echoed words spoken by President Obama at the Presidential Inauguration, saying “the time is come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation, the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

In appropriate fashion, the soulful vocals of the Moyé Ensemble, named after founder and director Dr. Ulysses G. Moyé, II, stirred emotions in the audience as was evident by the expressions of joy and by the tears that filled the eyes of both young and old. In tribute and in remembrance to those who participated in marches, boycotts, and sit-ins during the civil rights era, the entire audience joined hands and moved side to side as the Moyé Ensemble sang “We Shall Overcome.”

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