Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students, faculty and staff members were encouraged to “Read, Study, Travel” in order to become well-informed agents of social change and love throughout the world.
Renowned author and cultural critic Kevin Powell emphasized this and more as the keynote speaker for PNW’s annual celebration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. PNW hosted Powell Wednesday on its Hammond campus as part of a two-day recognition of MLK’s life and legacy.
Although attention is certainly devoted to MLK’s oration and leadership in demonstrations of nonviolent resistance to segregation, Powell focused on part of MLK’s identity as a scholar. Powell made it clear that the best way for us to become united is by naturally wanting to learn. Powell connected this to his own past as he grew up and started his own educational journey.
“I was raised by a single Black mother,” Powell said. “I was able to go to college because of a program created in New Jersey known as the Educational Opportunity Fund. I grew up on welfare and food stamps. It was a situation I don’t wish upon anyone. When Thomas Kean became the governor of New Jersey, this program was created to help out poor people who were struggling.”
Powell also attributes MLK’s success at such a young age to his willingness to listen to young organizers. Powell said contemporary generations should keep open ears to others’ thoughts regardless of their age, sex or gender.
Powell rounded out his keynote by stressing the importance of exercising love in our communal interactions as a representation of the humanity we want to display for others. Powell noted MLK echoed this theme in several speeches, including his critique of the Vietnam War.
“Dr. King mentioned all those years ago about how we are moving from being a person-oriented society to a thing-oriented society,” Powell said. “We see that today with how hard it is to put down our cellphones. When I came in here today, I shook as many hands as possible because I believe in human touch and loving one another.”
Powell is a 2024 Grammy-nominated poet and one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America. He is a poet and journalist, having authored 16 books. Powell is also a community activist who has facilitated an annual clothing drive for homeless youth in New York City; a leadership role in the movement to re-define manhood away from sexism and violence; and a deep responsibility to mentorship and development of people of every age as agents for change.
Darien Thompson, director of student success and urban engagement at PNW, notes PNW’s annual MLK Day celebration is a prime opportunity for the campus community to learn from one another and engage in informative dialogue.
“We’ve been celebrating Dr. King’s legacy at PNW for the past 32 years,” Thompson said. “It’s great for us to provide a setting where we can have this conversation and listen to different perspectives. We want everybody to have a voice that can be heard.”
The event was supported by several generous sponsors. NIPSCO served as a primary speaker sponsor. Alexius D. Barber, public affairs and economic development manager for NIPSCO, contributed to the event’s opening remarks by sharing how MLK paved the way for her to be in the best position possible today.
“Without Dr. King’s efforts, I might not have had the opportunity to get the education and be in the position I am today as a Black woman,” Barber said. “We’re excited to be a ‘Dreamer’ partner for this event and we’re continuing to make strides within our business about how we interact within the community.”
Powell also delivered his keynote Thursday to PNW campus and community members at the Westville branch campus. Attendees joined in a free Unity Breakfast made possible by generous sponsors for PNW’s annual MLK Day recognition.
Sponsors included NIPSCO, Horizon Bank, Shive-Hattery, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and the Sinai Temple of Michigan City.In addition, PNW campus community members were encouraged to “Take the Day ‘On’” Jan. 12 and 15 through community service projects.
For more information visit pnw.edu/mlk-celebration.