The Road to Freedom and Justice

Tufts University Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2014

On January 23, 2014 at 6:00p.m. the Office of the President, the University Chaplaincy, and the Africana Center held a powerful and meaningful celebration of the legacies of both Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Students, faculty, and staff gathered for song, poetry, and reflection on these two great social justice leaders. The program began with remarks by University Chaplain Reverend Greg McGonigle, President Anthony Monaco, Provost David Harris, and Africana Center Director Katrina Moore. The event centered on quotations by King and Mandela chosen by students, followed by spoken word poetry responses, led by Tufts student Amber Rose Johnson. Musical contributions were offered by Nakami Tongrit-Green, Essence, and the Harvard KUUMBA Singers (shown) along with a special dance by Chi-Chi Osuagwu and Chelsea Hicks. A candlelight vigil and moment of silence concluded the program remembering and recommitting to the goals of these influential leaders and their movements.