Tuesday morning was a momentous occasion at the Hammond campus of Purdue University Northwest where students, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the life and achievements of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite a heavy snowfall, the room was packed with people of all ages who were glad to be able to join together and remember a man who effected so much change for so many.
Many students from area schools were present to learn from the words of keynote speaker Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel and the lessons of Martin Luther King, including: Gary West Side, Bishop Noll, Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts, Roosevelt College and Career Academy, Gary Middle College, East Chicago Central High School, and Calumet New Tech High School.
“It’s a good chance to celebrate Martin Luther King and meet people and experience something new,” said Nick Davis, a high school student who came with his class to take part in the day’s event.
The main event was preceded by musical performances by PNW student Casey “CJ Musique” Baker and guitarist Angelo Cicco, with Baker providing two performances, one of which was composed specially for this occasion about the life of Dr. King.
Regina Biddings-Muro, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement was emcee for the event, and proud of Purdue Northwest’s leadership in hosting this community event.
“In this 50th year [since Dr. King’s assassination], our theme is together we win with love for humanity, and that is exactly what Dr. King was all about. Uniting us, understanding that we have challenges and recognizing that we’re going to do the most good in addressing those challenges when we do so together. Today, we reflect about that,” said Biddings-Muro.
Curiel, a native of Northwest Indiana, and a current Judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California articulated these sentiments of unity that Dr. King espoused in his own words.
“Dr. King’s optimism was unshakeable, his belief in America was undaunted,” said Judge Curiel. “Dr. King led and he did so with his words, commitment to nonviolence, and the force of his dream.”
Judge Curiel also stressed the accomplishments of Dr. King in overturning injustices in American history such as Jim Crow Laws, and paving the way for further reform with his leadership.
The quote which Judge Curiel highlighted most strongly from Dr. King was the oft used and inspiring, “Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” which encapsulates the efforts of generations before to bend that arc closer to justice, and inspire future generations to keep that fight going.
To Judge Curiel, Northwest Indiana itself was a perfect example of the power of integration and the efforts of Dr. King to unify communities across the country.
“Integration makes us all better. Northwest Indiana is where hard working men and women arrive from all over the world in search of hard work and a fair wage. We are a melting pot,” said Judge Curiel.
Evette Ratney, who works at Wirt-Emerson Performing Arts, was passionate about being present for this occasion and hearing Judge Curiel and Purdue Northwest’s words on the life of Dr. King.
“The students come almost every year. They need to know their history, they need to know about Martin Luther King, about what happened then and why we’re here. They just need to know, and that’s why we come every year," said Ratney.
Judge Curiel’s speech ended with a plea to those in attendance to always be looking for solutions and to learn from the legacy of Dr. King.
“Each one of us has an obligation to find solutions that are the product of reason, negotiation, and mutual respect,” said Judge Curiel.
Laquan James, who works at the 21st Century Scholars Office and Purdue Northwest student Maliq Mohammed were happy to have heard Judge Curiel’s inspirational words.
“I just really enjoyed it. There was great singing and the Judge came and answered a lot of questions, it was organized and professional and worthwhile,” said James who had also gone to the previous day’s event at the Westville campus. “With the daily activities you do, you wake up, go to work, but the fact that the Judge was able to come and remind everyone of everything that Martin Luther King did, it just really brings it to people’s memories.”
“It’s an actual life, somebody who actually dedicated their life to public service and sacrificed their life,” said Mohammed.
The morning’s events ended with a touching performance of “We Shall Overcome,” performed with participation from all those assembled and hands clasped in unity.
Chancellor Thomas Keon, was proud that Purdue Northwest could play such a pivotal role in bringing the community together to honor the legacy of Dr. King in such a significant and emotionally engaging way.
“I think the University must be an active part of the community, being out there as leaders and directing, and as Martin Luther King said, ‘as drum majors.’ It is significant that Purdue Northwest be here and lead the community and share in all of the things Dr. King did with his short life,” said Keon.
