Kennesaw State University hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Breakfast on Jan. 13 to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
The MLK Legacy Breakfast was one of several events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Week. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens was in attendance and gave an optimistic welcome emphasizing the importance of connection and community.
President Kathy Schwaig officially began the event with an opening speech. She shared that was the first MLK event held in person since 2020.
In his speech, Dickens remarked on how MLK would have been turning 93 years old that week and the reverberations of his leadership today. He also spoke on King’s Christmas sermon referencing the “inescapable network of mutuality,” and the importance of connection in King’s vision of a global community.
“My vision employs a progressive agenda that is focused on opportunity, safety and investment in the future, like yourselves,” Dickens said. “So on my watch, we will continue to work towards making Atlanta a part of that beloved community that Dr. King challenged us all to create.”
Roslyn Satchel gave the keynote address. Satchel is a professor in the School of Communication and Media and the inaugural lead researcher for the Radow Institute for Social Equity. Satchel also has her work in many national and international publications. Her research interests are in intercultural studies, social movements and gender issues.
“Removing barriers to access is key to the work of social equity,” Satchel said. “It is indeed the work of social equity that requires that we see people as they are in light of their history, their ability, their differences, and notice what their needs are and how we can make sure that their needs are met so that they can pursue and be successful at the opportunities that present themselves.”
KSU senior Austin Heller was in attendance and, like many others in the audience, shared his sentiments of feeling moved by Satchel’s speech.
“Dr. Satchel gave a radical, revolutionary and reinvigorating speech as she pressed the audience to fully work to materialize Dr. King’s true work and true vision,” Heller said. “Dr. Satchel challenged the KSU community to remove barriers to access in their lives and through their work, perfectly exemplifying the true dream of Dr. King. She spoke truth to power and offered historical context to why our country and our neighborhoods look like they do today.”
The KSU Gospel choir gave a moving performance at the event.
“It was a blessing to perform and share the word of God on campus,” choir member and student Cameron Williams said.
“Observing and celebrating MLK Day means to fully celebrate—instead of merely tolerating—every person in their entirety. It means understanding the American nature and history of oppressing those different than us,” Heller said. “MLK Day means radically and unapologetically examining the systems of inequity you benefit from–and working diligently and consciously to dismantle them through creating space for equity and community.”
KSU students volunteered at The King Center to assist with their Beloved Community Awards Celebration on Jan. 16 as part of the week’s celebration. “Six Voices: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 60 Minutes” hosted six speakers to give 10 minutes speeches in remembrance of King’s legacy on Jan. 19.
