By: Morgan Rizzo | Co-Editor-in-Chief
Every year on the third Monday of January, the United States celebrates one of the most prominent civil rights activists, Martin Luther King Jr. for his dedication to bring racial equality and nonviolent social change to our country. The federal holiday celebrating Dr. King’s birthday brings great recognition to his life and legacy.
At Salve Regina University, multiple organizations including The Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention, Mercy Center for Spiritual Life and Office of Mission Integration sponsor Martin Luther King Week. The week allows students, faculty and staff to learn more about the history of the civil rights movement and the impact of systematic racism within the Newport community and around the world. Education, dialogue and community service make up just a few of the ways the week seeks to continue actions towards anti-racism in harmony with the Critical Concerns of Mercy.
This year, on Monday, January 23, Salve Regina hosted its first ever spoken word event in Gerety Hall during MLK week called, “Spoken Word: Bending the Arc of the Universe toward Justice.” Students, faculty and guests shared poems, songs and inspirational stories of original-work or works from well-known artists and advocates.
Morgan Matos ‘23, was the host of the event who introduced each performer and described a synopsis about who they are. Rose Albert, Associate Director of Multicultural Programs and Retention shared inspiring opening marks regarding the first spoken word event and encouraged the crowded room to attend the multiple other events including a day of service throughout the rest of the week.
“I am a curator of words,” shares one of the speakers. “They have infinite power to hurt, yet more importantly to help.”
“I am a curator of words,” shares one of the speakers. “They have infinite power to hurt, yet more importantly to help.”
The speakers did just that. Brought forth beautiful heartfelt words that inspired the crowd to make a change in the world.
Program manager of Mission Integration, Mary Beth Pelletier, played a music video of the song, “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and held up posters with different sayings telling a story of how the audience can be brave. When the audio to the music video cut out, the audience chimed in and helped Pelletier by clapping and singing along to the well-known song.
Another inspiring piece was from Dr. Anthony LoPresti, professor of religious and theological studies. His classes often focus around the themes of race, gender and identity. Dr. LoPresti edited and read “Paul’s Letter to American Christians,” a sermon Dr. King gave many times.
“Love is the most durable power in the whole world,” are inspiring words from the sermon read by Dr. LoPresti.
All of the students, staff and faculty shared beautiful pieces of poetry, and well-crafted original works pushing the audience to think about the importance of racial justice in America. The spoken word event is one that will resonate with students and was a great opening for 2023’s MLK Week.
“Each contributor brought something unique to the space whether it was a song with corresponding quotes, a poem bursting with personal struggles and pain or a short story correlating directly to the themes weaved throughout MLK week; power, perseverance and pride,” explains Morgan Matos.
For the future years of MLK Week, I’m sure the sponsors of the organization will bring back this powerful and successful event for even more artists to share their stories and thoughts with the Salve Regina audience.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Capozzi
