Nearly 40 years since the nation began celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a Dallas pastor reminded those attending TCU’s annual Martin Luther King luncheon of the civil rights leader’s advocacy efforts. Ahead of Black History Month programming, the TCU Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted award-winning author and recognized civil rights activist Michael Waters, Ph.D., as the luncheon’s keynote speaker. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, Waters is known in Dallas-Fort Worth for his voice in the community as the lead pastor of Abundant Life African Methodist Episcopal Church. Waters discussed how King’s vision extended beyond traditional boundaries, reaching political forums. “King did not just promote cosmetic change, but policy change,” Waters said. When discussing how King stood against specific challenges and inequities, the speaker highlighted King’s views on wrongs in society. “In life, King was radically opposed to the tripartite evils of poverty, racism and militarism,” Waters said. Attendees were directed to a personal call to action offered by King. “Dr. King declared the time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total direct and immediate abolition of poverty,” Waters said. By focusing on King’s legacy, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts these types of events to demonstrate their intentional efforts to promote inclusivity. “It’s really about doing the commitment and doing the work,” said Natalia Dominguez, graduate assistant at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “We have a mission and making sure that we are creating the events that support what we’re saying we’re doing.”
Categories:
Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts annual Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon
By Haylee Chiariello, Staff Writer
Published Feb 8, 2024
Michael Waters, Ph.D., shared a message focused on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 24 in the Brown-Lupton University Union ballroom. (Haylee Chiariello/Staff Writer)
More to Discover