UC Santa Barbara is set to launch a series of events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring a documentary screening and a silent march on campus, scheduled for January 15 and 16.
The festivities begin on January 15 at noon in South Hall, where the Center for Black Studies Research will present a recording of Dr. King reading his impactful “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Written during his imprisonment in 1963 for participating in civil rights demonstrations, this 7,000-word letter highlights King’s insight into systemic inequality in America.
Following the letter’s presentation, the center will screen “I Am Not Your Negro,” a documentary based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript. Released in 2016, this 90-minute film explores contemporary racial issues through Baldwin’s reflections on fellow civil rights leaders, including King, Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers. Sharron Tettegah, the director of the center, emphasized the importance of the film series in fostering understanding of African American culture. A discussion led by UCSB lecturer Wendy Eley Jackson and Charles Terry, a postdoctoral fellow, will follow the screenings.
Terry noted the continuing relevance of King’s message, stating that Dr. King recognized the historical context of oppression and strived to remind the nation of its commitment to equality and justice.
The next day, January 16, will feature the “Walk With Us” program, which begins at noon at the Eternal Flame, located between the library and Buchanan Hall. Along with Terry, speakers will include communications undergraduate Ajani Washington, alumnus John Higgins, and Gregory Freeland, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara. Attendees will participate in a silent march to the Multicultural Center following opening remarks and a performance of the Black National Anthem.
Additionally, Jeffrey Stewart, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and UCSB’s vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, will speak at the MLK Heritage Foundation’s annual MLK Day Breakfast on January 20 in Connecticut, discussing the relevance of nonviolent protest in today’s context.
These events represent an important opportunity for the UCSB community to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and to engage in meaningful discussions about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of justice and equality, initiatives like these remind us of the vital need for advocacy and activism.