For the last 35 years, on every third Monday of January, Americans celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What may first come to mind is his “I Have A Dream” speech, this year being it’s 50th anniversary, but that is not what Dr. Pamela Brooks remembers him for.

Invited to speak at the university Chapel by the Ashland Center for Nonviolence and the Division of Student Affairs, Brooks’ discussion “Lessons from King’s Riverside Speech” demonstrated that while King is well known for his love, oratory, brilliance and leadership, he was primarily a fighter: a militant pacifist.

“I come instead to celebrate a King who helps us dare to face our best selves,” she said.

Brooks follows in the footsteps of her parents.

She is enthusiastically engaged in the spirit of activism for black and colored people.

As the chair of Africana Studies at Oberlin College, she has dedicated her life to educating those around her as well.

Her emotionally powerful voice resonated within the walls of the hallowed halls as around 100 people came to celebrate this special MLK Day with Brooks.

She also reminded the audience about the Vietnam War, and King’s opposition to it.

“King was moved by a call of conscience against the Vietnam War,” Brooks said. “He couldn’t stand the destruction, the horrendous photographs, the aggressive imperialism. He had a sense of peace and wellbeing for all God’s children, and he couldn’t reconcile all of that.”

Brooks explained that King had an understanding of his moral courage, and could speak his truths with conviction.

The Vietnamese people wanted freedom from their oppression, but instead they were subjected to imperialism and racism.

Simultaneously, the black people fighting in the military overseas were subject to that same racism.

Brooks said the revolution America goes through should be “a fight to strive for the best version of ourselves, and to be champions for those who cannot speak.”

The fire of her words pierced through the snowy evening, sparking hope in a few students who came to hear her speak.
Junior Ariana Graves, diversity intern, said Brooks was a valuable part of the discussion.

“This is encouraging us and asking us: are we stepping outside of our comfort zone to make sure there is justice and making sure there is going to be a difference,” she said.

Vincent Hill, president of Brothers in Action, said King recognized the problems society was facing and implemented action and led from the front, not just talking about it.

He liked that Brooks recognized the warrior aspect of King.

Junior Aashawnti West believes people need to look at King for more than just his “I Have A Dream” speech.

“It is important that we not think of King as such a 2-dimensional character, standing in front of a podium with his I have a dream speech, but instead about his moral character, what he stood for and what he was trying to accomplish, which is more interactive. He was an activist in trying to build unity among people of diversity,” she said.

That is also the goal of the ACN.

Their mission is to promote alternatives to violence through programs, education, training and building relationships that foster awareness and consideration of issues related to nonviolence and social justice, and supports ways to create a caring community that is inclusive and just.

Their next conference will be held in February.