Knox College will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation at 11 a.m. today in Harbach Theatre at the Ford Center for the Fine Arts, featuring speaker Melvin L. Rogers from Brown University.
The event honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is open to the community. Rogers, the Edna and Richard Salomon Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brown University, will give an address titled “Democracy and Faith in Dark Times,” drawing from his book The Darkened Light of Faith: Race, Democracy, and Freedom in African American Political Thought.
“Melvin Rogers gave our Constitution Day lecture in 2020 virtually. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to welcome him to campus in person,” Associate Professor of Political Science Thomas Bell said. “He’s a political scientist at Brown University and a visiting fellow in the School of Civic Life and Leadership at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.”
Rogers explained the theme of his talk: “Given our current political moment, especially as our institutions are under strain in various ways, we need to think about what can fortify us in these dark times of erosion. And my answer is faith—not necessarily in God, although that may work for some, but the twin values of freedom and equality as the foundation of our very existence. These values are matters of ultimate concern, and we must hold them dear and let our commitment to them orient us.”
The day includes several other events open to the community. At 4 p.m., Knox College A.B.L.E. students will host a Children’s Reading Hour at the Galesburg Public Library, featuring stories on kindness, fairness, and courage inspired by Dr. King.
At 6:30 p.m., a candlelight march starts at Wilson House on campus. Participants will gather for a peaceful walk, reflecting on Dr. King’s words: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
The march ends at the HOPE Center with hot chocolate. Battery-operated candles will be provided.
The evening concludes at 8 p.m. with the Knox College dance program’s multi-media reflection on Dances for Social Change: The Legacy Project in Kresge Recital Hall at the Ford Center for the Fine Arts. The program shares perspectives, experiences, and footage highlighting community, social awareness, and cultural reflection.
