Kent State University students, faculty and staff discussed the words and ideas of Martin Luther King Jr. during the 100 Plates – Peace and Conflict: MLK to Today event held Jan. 31, 2024.
The community lunch and discussion, held at Oscar Ritchie Hall, was presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Events Committee.
It allowed students such as Priyanka Kumani to learn more about King’s philosophies on non-violence and peaceful protest. Here is Kumani, a doctoral student in Materials Science speaking with Kent State Today about what drew her to the gathering.
Participants read King's 1956 speech "When Peace Becomes Obnoxious" in which he discussed how when a federal judge decreed that Black people could not be denied admission to the University of Alabama because of their race, an angry mob threatened the first Black student to be admitted. They threw bricks at her and burned crosses. She was asked to leave for her safety and the media said there was peace on the campus. However, the price of the peace came at the expense of allowing a vicious mob to rule.
Participants also read a passage from John Lewis' book "Common Dreams" in which he said "Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key."
Kalena Speicher, an AmeriCorps member who helped facilitate the discussion, said the event connects King's work to the work we do in our communities.
"I came to the event last year and really enjoyed it," Speicher said. "I was delighted to be involved with the planning this year."
