On Friday, January 19, an event was held at Lincoln Mall on the campus of Century to honor Dr. Martin Luther King. The main speaker, Dr. Rose M Brewer, is a former chairman of the Department of African-American and American Studies at the University of Minnesota, and currently is a distinguished teaching professor of African American & African Studies.

Following Kiki Latham singing the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Brewer spoke on the topic of “Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.” During the speech, she gave an overview of Martin Luther King’s life and work, including how he grew up, how he supported the black community, and how crucial he was to the success of the civil rights movement. But Brewer insisted that the fight isn’t over.

Brewer went on to speak about what we can do to continue MLK’s movement today, “His legacy demands that we confront these difficult times.” Brewer wants people to know that the fight isn’t over and the best way to honor King’s incredible life is to keep fighting for equality and peace.

Brewer left us with an impactful quote: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. And in these very difficult times, Dr. King continues to give hope.”