On January 18, 2019, Craig High School celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in the 3rd Annual MLK Assembly which was a spectacle in its own rite. New artwork was unveiled. Speaker Reggie Dabbs instilled his message of hope and love to the students, while displaying his love for jazz with classic pop tunes.

The jazz band opened the assembly specifically as a tribute to an artform that originated in the South, evolving from African American folk songs and continuing to give voice to all people. The choir followed with the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” introduced by Keeanu Benton.

Armenia Jones spoke on what it means to make a difference, uniting in a common cause, and hoping that a  better day is ahead. Jones introduced the song, “I’ll make a difference” sang by the Acapella Choir. During the song, a slide show of various social rights activists played in a stirring, emotional, and meaningful manner.

The Drawing 1 and Advanced Drawing students created multiple pieces of artwork honoring the day. Drawing 1 honored Dorothy Height in artwork featuring her famous quote “I want to be remembered as…” Another Drawing 1 class honored Rosa Parks in a mosaic of different student’s artwork. The mosaic design made by Advanced Drawing included text and quotations of MLK’s famous “I have a dream” speech.

The highlight of the assembly: speaker Reggie Dabbs. Dabbs made some comic observations about the world, attempted to interpret the meaning of life, and shared the struggles of his life. Dabbs expressed that without the sacrifices of Dr. King, he wouldn’t be able to speak in some many schools. He acknowledged King’s compassion, saying that if a man hasn’t found something worth dying for, he isn’t fit to live.

Dabbs shared that Dr. King said something that changed his life: “It’s alright to be alone; it’s alright to be scared.” Dabs expressed that love saved him from the misery he experienced from age 8 to age 21 when he didn’t want to live. Ending his speech, Dabbs expressed that Dr. King gave his life for a day like this.

Dabbs reiterated there is hope, there is love, and we all have the ability in-born for empathy and compassion. Students left the MLK assembly with the feeling that hope is here.

Watch the full assembly here