MLK Assembly Honors a Man of Equality and Hope
On January 10th, Craig held its annual MLK assembly to honor the man who fought for equality, civil rights, and hope; it would only be appropriate for the students of Craig to focus the themes of the assembly towards the love and hopefulness he spread through his speech in the year of 1963 – 57 years later and those promising words ring within the actions of our youth.
Although every school has different ways of celebrating this national event, Craig High School’s assembly consisted of brief speeches from students and teachers, music, videos, and displays of art. Student presenters compared the jazz music of the jazz band to its roots in the early 20s and how it represented a voice of African-Americans as a proclamation of artistry and a beacon of hope. Services, such as Bags of Hope, also can be dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King. After the jazz band, the choir brought the audiences deep into the heart of African culture by singing “Lift every voice and sing.” With this song first being published as a poem in 1900, it was changed to a hymnal, where it was then later referred to as the black national anthem. It not only speaks of the difficulties they faced in the past but also mentions the contentment they feel in honor of liberty. Afterward, student speakers let the voice of King raise their own as they quoted his magnificent speech. “Only light and love can drive out hate and darkness. Everyone is capable of showing love and kindness,” and “Love can transform an enemy into a friend.” being only a few of many the speakers used.
Great thanks are given to Markis Burkes, who was the emcee for the assembly. He hosted an incredible assembly and those in it let the vibrant colors of King’s speech flood from the stage. “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” There are always ways to make the world a better place, and just like King, it’s our turn.
Some of the students involved in this ceremony include: Markis Burks, Alma Diaz-Cosme, Jenna Sowatzke, Chozen Fair, Litzy Torres, Jazmine Perez, Rodnisha Cobbs, Marley Smith, Tierra Crenshaw, Tiara Moore, Jaysen Nereu, Chris Johnson, Fernanda Cortez, Igzandra Del Camino Bonilla, and Niecy Haynes.
