On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Ferris held a spoken word event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and Black History Month. The event was hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) at the Rankin Fireplace in the David L. Eisler Center to celebrate King’s contributions to dismantling racial segregation.
King played a key role in shaping the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, helping create a more equal and cohesive environment for people of all colors. Assassinated in 1968 for challenging systemic racism embedded in the U.S. government, his work and legacy will never be forgotten.
Many students and community members attended the event, and many took advantage of the opportunity to showcase their spoken-word pieces.
Massiel Calderon, Assistant Director of OMSS, explained the rationale for creating an event where students could share their work with others.
“We wanted to set up a space for students to express themselves,” Calderon said. “Listening to others who have similar life experiences can help relieve stress. We just wanted students to know that your community and representation are still here.”
Calderon explained how important it is for minorities to have a safe space while attending a predominantly white institution. Sometimes, students may feel isolated or alone, and she hopes this event amplifies King’s message of community.
“With so much tension in society regarding minorities, it’s important for students to know that despite the challenges they may face, Ferris is a safe space for everybody,” Calderon said.
The celebration featured poets from The Diatribe performing original and deeply personal poems, spreading an uplifting message to students.
A featured poet, Caleb Rainey, who goes by the name The Negro Artist, said, “It’s meaningful to be here because the more we hold MLK’s memory, the more we move forward. If we forget it, we lose it. We fall back.”
He explained how exciting it is to see young Black people showing up and asserting their existence in this space.
“Being at a PWI is hard. I know that from my own experience. To celebrate events like this and honor those who paved the way for me is very meaningful,” Rainey said.
Rainey also left students with advice to carry King’s legacy forward.
“Don’t stop talking. Use your voice,” Rainey said. “One of the biggest things people remember about King is his voice—both the sound of it and the way he used it. He’s a great model to remind young people that their voice has the same kind of power.”
Emotions ran deep for some students as they personally connected to the messages being shared in various ways.
Business Administration senior Jala Irvine described how listening to the performers impacted her and made her feel seen.
“It made me feel empowered,” Irvine said. “The performers were excellent at what they did. They instilled a lot of hope and faith in me. Sometimes, you need a little reminder that others face the same struggles on campus.”
Irvine explained that being at a PWI can be draining due to the political and racial issues that plague society.
“Sometimes, people need to realize we are all in this together,” Irvine said.
Finally, Irvine reflected on King’s legacy and how she believes his work has impacted her life today, as well as what the events of the night meant to her.
“When I think of him, I think of kindness and community,” Irvine said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for him. I’m a biracial woman, and I appreciate King and his sacrifices. If I had to sum up today in one word, it’d be ‘empowering,’” Irvine said.
More Black History Month events on campus are soon to follow and can be found on the Ferris event calendar.