“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday, January 15, Cedar Crest College students, faculty, and staff gathered for the College’s second annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast to commemorate MLK’s legacy through powerful speeches, performances, and commitments to future acts of service.
The morning started with impactful and powerful words from Student Government Association President Noor Hussain, ‘25, and a Step Dance performance choreographed by Corinne Mundy, ‘24, performed by herself, Jahniya James, ‘26, Elayah Toney, ‘26, and Erika Butler, ‘27. Further highlights included keynote speaker Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, spoken word poetry performed by Dieruff High School group Spittin’ Truth, and closing remarks from President Meade.
“Martin Luther King’s change was grounded in urgency – we need to take action now; change is needed now. Let that sink in,” says Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. “When you think about now, it creates a sense of urgency. That’s the urgency that Martin Luther King lived and led with, and that’s the urgency that we need to live and lead with.”
The event concluded with the College’s first act of service in the new year – writing Cards for a Cause for residents of Cedarbrook Nursing Home. Students, faculty, and staff participated in the activity, bringing their own share of light and positivity to this important day.
President Meade offered her own reflections on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and our campus community, saying, “We are living in a moment of what often feels like darkness and hate. But you, in this room, are the light and the love, and I thank you for that.”