Since 1999, 狼友社区 has honored the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through a commemorative event. This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淭he American Dream: King鈥檚 1965 Call for Justice,鈥 examined the unfinished work of justice and equality through the lens of Dr. King鈥檚 1965 sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, often mistaken for his more widely cited 1963 鈥淚 Have a Dream鈥 speech delivered at the March on Washington.
Kareem Watts, director of 鈥溊怯焉缜檚鈥 Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Programs and Initiatives, opened the program by reading his blackout poem titled 鈥淭he Reality,鈥 which he created using the opening pages of Dr. King鈥檚 1965 sermon. A blackout poem is a form of 鈥渇ound鈥 poetry that transforms an existing text by removing words until a new, creative poem emerges.
鈥淒r. King reflected on how the dream that he once proclaimed had, for many, become a nightmare, challenging the comfort of the more sanitized versions of his legacy,鈥 Watts said.
Held Jan. 22, 2026, in Sundin Music Hall, the program featured remarks by President Mayme Hostetter, a keynote address by , a call-and-response reading led by Justin Antwi, 鈥26 political science major, African cultural dance by , and musical performances by . The evening concluded with the presentation of the Beloved Community Awards and a sending forth offered by Rabbi Esther Adler.
An enduring message
The event invited attendees to reflect on Dr. King鈥檚 vision of justice, equality and shared responsibility, encouraging participants to consider how differences shape daily life and how collective action can move communities closer to equity.
President Hostetter invited attendees to consider the relevance of Dr. King鈥檚 1965 message in today鈥檚 social and political climate, emphasizing the responsibility of community during moments of division and uncertainty.
鈥淲hen times are as hot and polarized and as violent as they were in 1965, Dr. King reminds us that we are part of an inescapable network of mutuality, an interrelated 鈥榰s,鈥欌 Hostetter said.
The evening鈥檚 keynote speaker, , founder of AMO Enterprise and a nationally recognized educator, speaker and community leader, expanded on the urgency of Dr. King鈥檚 message by connecting the American dream to present-day realities of racial and economic inequality.
Drawing from personal experience and insight, Omari challenged the audience to confront the gap between national ideals and lived realities.
鈥淭he American dream is not dead,鈥 Omari said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 unfinished and our job is to help complete it.鈥
Artistry and accolades
Throughout the program, reflection was interwoven with artistic expression. A call-and-response reading led by Justin Antwi invited audience participation, while performances by and vocalist brought energy and inspiration.
The program concluded with the presentation of the Beloved Community Awards. These awards recognize individuals whose work reflects the values of Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate those who demonstrate leadership, service and commitment. Seven members of the 狼友社区 community were honored: Isaac Garcia, Elisa Lopez, Molly Doran, Lynette Wahl, Jermaine Singleton, Maggie Struck and Rebecca Neal.
Rabbi Adler offered a closing blessing rooted in the Hebrew scriptures that inspired Dr. King, calling on attendees to carry forward the work of justice and care for each other.
鈥淢ay we bring the light of justice to our community, our state and our country,鈥 Adler said.