UC Santa Barbara is gearing up for Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events designed to honor the legacy and influence of the civil rights leader. The celebrations will begin on January 15, featuring a free documentary screening and a silent march across campus.
At noon, the Center for Black Studies Research will host a screening of Martin Luther King Jr.’s reading of his renowned “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written in 1963 while he was incarcerated for his involvement in nonviolent protests against segregation. This significant letter articulates King’s fight for justice and equality, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against inequality in the U.S.
Following this, the center will present the documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript. This film provides a critical look at contemporary racial issues, drawing connections to Baldwin’s reflections on civil rights figures such as King, Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers. Sharron Tettegah, the center’s director, remarked on the importance of these screenings in understanding African American culture, and a post-screening discussion will be led by UCSB lecturer Wendy Eley Jackson and postdoctoral fellow Charles Terry.
Terry highlighted King’s deep understanding of America’s history of inequality, urging a commitment to equal rights that remains relevant today.
On January 16, the celebrations will continue with the “Walk With Us” event, starting at noon at the Eternal Flame. Keynote speaker Charles Terry will be joined by communications undergraduate Ajani Washington, alumnus John Higgins, and Gregory Freeland, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara. The program will include remarks and the singing of the Black National Anthem before a silent march that will conclude with a reception at the Multicultural Center.
Further reflecting the spirit of King’s legacy, UCSB Distinguished Professor Jeffrey Stewart will be a featured speaker at the MLK Heritage Foundation’s 40th annual MLK Day Breakfast in Connecticut on January 20, addressing the theme “Nonviolence: Now More than Ever.”
These events are a powerful reminder of the ongoing work in the pursuit of equality and justice, celebrating the ideals King championed while inspiring future generations to carry on his mission. The collaborative efforts at UCSB exemplify a vibrant community dedicated to remembrance and action.