Oxford community came together for a joyous celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

The annual event, which typically takes place in January during Emory’s King Week, brought together voices from the College and Newton County in a tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy.

“Moving our MLK observance to February due to January's winter weather turned out to be a wonderful opportunity," says Oxford College Dean Badia Ahad. "This timing highlights that Dr. King's powerful message of equality, peace, hope, and justice extends beyond a single day, and serves as a constant source of inspiration for our community."

This year’s keynote speaker, Robin Dease, resident bishop of the Georgia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, shared a powerful message that encouraged and challenged attendees to continue to advocate for peace. Her words were echoed by Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar Lucero Alvarado 25Ox, who said, "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is a call to action. This ceremony was not just a moment of reflection but also a reminder to everyone that the work of justice, equity, and love must continue in our communities, our institutions, and within ourselves.” First-year student Jackson Schlemmer 26Ox, who decided to attend the event at the last minute, was inspired by what he heard and “felt immense gratitude to both the people and community who brought me to the chapel that night.”

Emorja Roberson and Marvin McNeill, both Oxford assistant professors of music and African American studies, harnessed the emotional power of music throughout the evening. The audience joined Roberson in a communal hymn, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and McNeill directed a student performance by the Oxford Soul Collective. Oxford was also pleased to partner with the Newton County’s MLK Interdenominational Choir, of which Roberson is also a member, under the direction of Valerie Bentley and accompanied by pianist Antwon Barr.

“The celebration was a joyous reminder of the importance of Dr. King’s life and legacy,” says Oxford College Interim Chaplain Brent Huckaby, whose passion is helping young people understand the importance of finding deeper meaning and compassion in their daily lives.

The event was sponsored by Oxford’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI). Claudia Zanjanchian, Oxford assistant director of Campus Culture, Belonging, and Engagement, noted, “The MLK Celebration filled me with the kind of warmth that lingers long after the evening ends. Though the weather may have delayed us, the heart of this gathering was right on time, and I left feeling uplifted, inspired, and deeply grateful for our community.”