Day Memorial Convocation Speech Summary

Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead is a mother, activist, and professor. In her speech for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial Convocation “From Black Power to Black Lives Matter,” she asked her audience, “What can you do and what are you doing?” This question resonated with me for I have asked myself the same question. When faced with the news of brutality and more lost souls, I cannot help but wonder what can be done about such injustice? This pain and disregard for human life, especially for those of color, has continued to be a systematic issue for centuries. What can I, a single individual, do to change such deep rooted injustice? In Dr. Whitehead’s speech, she illuminates both the issues and the platform that must be built for change. Initially, Dr. Whitehead empathizes with the many that may feel Post-Election Stress. She understands the …show more content…
Whitehead declares that solidarity must become a verb. We have divided into two societies, one of inclusion and one of exclusion. Therefore we must unite and take action under the common interest of having a nation that integrates and welcomes all peoples. This is essential for, in the words of Dr. Whitehead, we are a “Global Village; what happens to one directly, happens to all indirectly.” To that end, we must embrace the third tool that demands on to “bless yourself.” With so much animosity spewed by partiality, it is prevalent for the prosperity of one to remember their value and the significance. To truly come together as a nation and tend to our fellow humans, we must first tend to our own wellbeing. With this intention, we must embody the last tool, which Dr. Whitehead shares with her audience is to “know when to jump and when to walk away.” Sometimes one must be willing to overcome fear and take the risk that will lead them into the unknown. Other times, it is best for one to know their battles and not waste their energy, for they can acquire greater