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MLK Day convocation: Why is it important to hold these commemorative events? What’s the importance of keeping King’s legacy alive?

Holding commemorative events such as the recent convocation is important because they remind us that our present struggles are not new. Rather, they are an echo of past struggles. The past is alive. The past is constantly moving through us. We sit in its wake and we reckon with its impact whether we realize it or not.

The work of Michel-Rolph Trouillot in  and Christina Sharpe’s  are instructive in this regard. Curating sacred space to reflect on and evaluate the legacy and wisdom of past liberationist leaders such as King is critical to developing the strategies and dispositions needed to navigate our present struggles and situations—which are not that different from what our ancestors and elders combated. 

Importantly, building spaces like the MLK Day convocation provides community-building opportunities, where humans from across campus who represent different disciplines, identities and worldviews can meet each other and hopefully leave with a greater sense of purpose and vocation and stronger connections with others both in and outside of �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder. 

As civil rights leader and human rights activist Ella Baker is credited with saying about King: “...the movement made Martin rather than Martin making the movement.”

For me, King’s legacy is bigger than the man. It is an enduring prophetic representation of what justice could look like in public. It is a reminder that liberation cannot be achieved unless all are free. That every human is worthy of dignity and respect. His legacy is a continual reminder that, as civil rights activist and philosopher Angela Davis once said, “Freedom is a constant struggle.” It is imperative that we are constantly reminded of that. 

What can individuals do on their own during Black History Month and year-round to learn more about the experiences of Black Americans?

Commit to a personal journey of critical consciousness. The Shared Equity Leadership resources—our institutional approach to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and strategies here at �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder—can help clarify exactly what I mean by this.

We do not have to wait for special occasions or heritage months to read books or discuss issues that are about particular groups of humans. So make it a point each month to read or listen to a book or podcast that centers around a community of people that you are unknowledgeable about. 

For Black History Month, start with researching the genealogy of the history of the month. The labor of historian, author and journalist  to establish recognition for African-ascendant humans is critical, especially as we face the continued assaults, erasure and censoring of Black history happening across this country.

After doing that, I challenge people to read books and literature, watch movies and documentaries and visit art installations that center Black and African American, woman-identifying, transgender and nonbinary humans. No advancements for African-ascendant humans have occurred without the tireless effort and brilliance of humans such as , , , , among others.

Start your Black History Month from the margins.  

From which Black leaders, philosophers and activists do you take the most inspiration?

So many! First, I have to acknowledge my ancestors, both all those known to me and those who I do not know formally, but whose wisdom and witness are intimately woven into my heart, mind and spirit. My most notable ancestors being my grandmother Gladys Santina Hall and my aunt Theresa Lowery.

Other inspirations include , , , , , , , , , , , and the incomparable .

What are some of your favorite films, TV shows or fiction novels that center Black identities and narratives?

Any of Octavia E. Butler’s fiction novels are a go-to. Favorite films—anything with Denzel Washington, especially “Malcolm X.” Other favorites include “The Harder They Fall,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Black Panther,” “Moonlight,” “Brown Sugar,” “School Daze” and “Coming to America” (the original version).