NEWS

SALMAGUNDY

MLK Community Day Promotes Youth Activism

By Avery Zappone ’27 and Grace Hu ’27 Staff Writers

For the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day, Porter’s students celebrated the Civil Rights leader’s legacy by focusing on youth activism. The event featured speeches, workshops, and performances.

The day began with speeches by Head of Diversity Mary Zheng and Andrea Barton Reeves, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

The speeches were followed by two workshops led by students and faculty.

Assistant Dean of Equity and Inclusion ashley amoabeng said she hoped a wide variety of activities would help students see that “they are capable of creating change even at a young age.” amoabeng recognizes that many students not eligible for voting “can sometimes feel helpless in the face of larger political and social issues.”

The afternoon workshops allowed students a choice to relax by reading and coloring or to engage in further political discussions, including the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

The day ended with “At the Table with Dr. King,” a multifaceted performance by More Than Music, a music group that performs live shows at schools to teach students about King and the Civil Rights Movement.

The community event has evolved from traditional assemblies to dialogue-centered programming that encourages students to learn and apply the values of King. Organizers of the event said that action is crucial, especially in election years.

She said she wanted to use the day to highlight how activism can go beyond voting.

“It’s about using (one’s) voice, organizing, and taking action in ways that matter to them,” she said.

The event’s planning committee began work in early November and met every Monday night to create groups, workshops, and schedules.

The youth activism theme was inspired by the advocacy undertaken by many young people today. This concept was woven into the schedule through workshops and performances, emphasizing individual advocacy and leadership. The sessions allowed students to reflect on King’s impact, learning how to apply his values to their lives.