49th annual banquet celebrates Martin Luther King's living, continuing legacy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 49th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Banquet gathered Penn State community members in the Bryce Jordan Center on the evening of Jan. 15 to celebrate the civil rights leader and honor his life and legacy. Hosted by Penn State's Forum on Black Affairs (FOBA), the gala event included reflections, scholarship awards, performances, dinner and dancing.

The theme for this year's celebration is "The Movement Continues: Embracing MLK's Dream of a Better World for All," honoring King's vision of a world where everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, religion or gender.

Stephanie Danette Preston, associate dean for graduate educational equity in the Graduate School and immediate past president of FOBA, emceed the event and offered reflections during the evening.

“Tonight we come together to celebrate a visionary who dared to dream of a better world for all,” Preston said. “We are reminded that Dr. King’s movement was not a fleeting moment, but a continuous call to action, a perpetual journey toward justice, equality and unity. Dr. King once said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ Tonight, in the spirit of those powerful words, let us recommit ourselves to the movement that transcends time. A movement fueled by the unwavering belief that we can build a world where justice prevails and equality reigns.”

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi in her remarks expressed appreciation for the event and its organizers, saying, “The joyous celebration of heroes and role models that do the work, the recognition of future leaders by investing in their education — all these elements make this event a much-needed jolt of energy for the work that lies ahead. Above all, it is deeply nourishing to the spirit to be among family, friends and community in the pursuit of equity, love and justice.”

Among her remarks, Bendapudi talked about the impact of of higher education on society and on the health, well-being and citizen engagement of college graduates, as well as the continuing issues of access and affordability for all who want to attend college. Bendapudi stressed that it is central to her vision for Penn State that the opportunities created for graduates are equally accessible to all students, of all backgrounds, of all races and ethnicities, and of all identities and walks of life.

“As Dr. King wrote in 1947 during his time at Moorehouse College, education serves not only to allow us to weigh evidence, determine truth, and separate fact from fiction — education serves to help us learn how to learn,” she added. “This is something else I think is critical. We’re not in the business of teaching people what to think, we’re in the business of making sure people know how to think for themselves, and to apply knowledge to noble ends. As Dr. King said: 'Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.'”

During the event, Earl F. Merritt, director of the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in the College of the Liberal Arts, received the 2024 Forum on Black Affairs Humanitarian Award. Through this award, FOBA annually honors an individual who has provided outstanding service to African American citizens of Pennsylvania, particularly in communities around Penn State’s campuses.

"I'm truly honored, humbled and appreciative of this recognition ... it's always been about making a difference in the lives of others," Merritt said. "I think of Shirley Chisholm's words when she says, 'Service is the repayment for the privilege of living on this planet.' I always use that as a frame of reference. What always drives me is the souls of students that I have had the opportunity to engage, not only at Penn State but before I came to Penn State."

The recipients of the Fannie Lou Hamer and W.E.B. DuBois Service Scholarships were announced: Undergraduate student Ryan Santillano and Raya Petty, doctoral student in higher education, education policy studies, in the College of Education, and president of the Black Graduate Student Association. This is the second time Petty has been awarded the scholarship. The annual scholarship awards honor the memory of civil rights leaders Hamer and DuBois, and are awarded to full-time, degree-seeking Penn State students who are excellent scholars and actively engaged in service to the African American community.

Jamie Campbell, past president of FOBA; Gary Abdullah Sr., chair of the Borough Racial Equity Advisory Committee; and Myles Arrington, vice president of the Black Graduate Student Association, also spoke during the evening. They offered reflections on King; the enduring dedication and history of the Forum on Black Affairs and its members, as well as the local community; and also the supportive, belonging community of the Black Graduate Student Association.

The audience also enjoyed several outstanding performances throughout the evening. Penn State undergraduate students Annabelle Josephine Smarth and Sharleen Ann Banatte led the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. Musical and dance performances also featured graduate students Jaden Nathaniel Adkins and Antwan Hill performing a brass rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come”; poet Evita Colon and the band Black Canvas; and undergraduate student and Schreyer Scholar Victoria “Tori” Monroe of Ambitions Dance Group.

In addition, the Rev. Paul McReynolds of Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church offered a benediction and the blessing of the meal, and American Sign Language interpreters Cassidy Donaldson, Rachel Mackrell and Marlee Stake enthusiastically accompanied the speakers and performers throughout the evening.

In closing, Preston said, “It is essential to recognize the progress that we’ve made and acknowledge the work that lies ahead. The movement continues, not just in history books, but in our classrooms, workplaces and communities. In embracing Dr. King’s dream, we are called to be architects of change — builders of bridges that connect hearts and minds. Each one of us carries the responsibility to create an inclusive world, where diversity is not just celebrated, but woven into the fabric of our very existence.

“Tonight, we celebrate not just the historical figure, but a living legacy. The movement continues in actions we take tomorrow, the conversations we have next week, and the choices we make in years to come,” Preston added. “Let us be inspired by Dr. King’s dream, knowing that it is in within our collective power to create a better world for all.”

Penn State campuses across the commonwealth are holding events and activities in recognition of MLK Commemoration Week.

Get engaged: The Forum on Black Affairs

The Forum on Black Affairs seeks to form meaningful partnerships with individuals and other organizations, and encourages participation in a shared vision of an improved diverse and inclusive University community. FOBA’s mission is to provide educational opportunities for all citizens and is dedicated to the principle of equality for all people, manifested in a commitment to achieve equal opportunity for Black people at Penn State. Visit fobapsu.org to learn more.