Our Revolution, Our Responsibility

Martin Luther King, Jr. day keynote speaker Ed Gordon enlightened audience and kicked off African American History celebrations.

This year, with the inauguration of Barack Obama, we have already seen a milestone in race relations. At EMU, the historic event was the cornerstone of this year’s MLK Jr. Day and Black History Month celebrations. Under the motto “Dimensions of Black”, the University is exploring a new chapter in African American history through events in five categories: empowerment, community, health, education and culture. Throughout February, panel discussions, guest speakers and artistic performances will discuss, interpret and work through historic and contemporary issues relating to race and diversity.

To jump-start this year’s celebrations, EMU was honored to host Ed Gordon, the Emmy Award winning journalist, as keynote speaker for EMU’s 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on January 19.

“Throughout our history, young people have been the backbone of change,” Gordon explained, in front of a captivated audience of students and members of the University community.

Gordon, host of the nationally syndicated TV show “Our World with Black Enterprise”, delivered a rousing and heartening speech, centered on the importance of hard work in a continuous struggle for change, in the wake of President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

“In times of crises, as things tend to slip away, it is your own behavior that you have to control,” Gordon said about the current economic situation. “No matter the time, it is you who needs to be ready.”

Following the motto of this year’s celebration “Our Revolution, Our Responsibility”, Gordon’s speech did not shy away from controversial issues, but advocated honesty and candor to progress race relations through an open discourse, uncovering stereotypes and prejudice.  

The audience was responsive to Gordon’s advice, and had many questions for the guest of honor.

After the presentation, several EMU students had great things to say about the speech and what they celebrated on MLK Day, 2009.

Emily Reardon, 23, sophomore, women’s studies, social work:

“The speech was very enlightening and surprisingly real. His remarks on controlling your behavior in times of crisis directly apply to me, as I am trying to get back into school.”

Brittni Brow, 20, sophomore, communications, student member of the MLK 2009 planning committee:

“I was inspired by Gordon drawing parallels between Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dream for equality and the historic inauguration of Barack Obama. Ed Gordon said both are men who sought change and believed in themselves, but could not achieve their goals without change in others.”

Suzzette Kline, 21, junior, communications, public relations:

“Obama’s election is really about the continuation and not the completion of MLK’s dream. There is so much left for us to do and days like this are a constant reminder that we need to continue with race relations.”