Students Communicate Dr. King's Vision

Students were involved in the event at every level, from student representatives on the planning committee (from Inglewood High, Morningside High, and City Honors High), to the Presentation of Colors by Inglewood High's JROTC and performances by the La Tijera Unity Chorus and the Inglewood High Gospel Choir.

"Equity and quality in education," were among the list of things Dr. Pamela Short-Powell, Superintendent of Schools, explained Dr. King would stand for if he were alive today. "The mere fact that this audience is full of children is a positive sign," she added, taking the opportunity to ask those present to thank teachers for the role they play in students' lives.

Indeed, each of four student King Day speech contest winners took Dr. King's commitment to education as an example to follow. "When Dr. King was my age, he studied hard in school," said Melody Quiroz, the 2nd grader from Oak Street Elementary School who took first place in the early elementary division. "He always did more than his teachers asked him to do." When Melody closed with a song about Dr. King's vision for world peace, love, and freedom, it came as little surprise that her teacher was the one who taught her that song.

Twin brothers Khamal and Khalil White, the 4th graders from Frank D. Parent Elementary School who placed first in the elementary division, also focused on education as a means to an end. "What I can do is go to school and get an education. One of the best ways to keep Dr. King's dream alive is to avoid violence," and "...to be fair, honest, and show responsibility for my actions."

Students also connected Dr. King's teachings to the modern world. "I believe that it is not only important that we keep his dream alive, but that we play a part in making that dream come true," said Tan-Talaysha Bailey, the 8th grader from Albert F. Monroe Middle School who placed first in the middle school division. "What the world needs now are rights-civil rights, human rights, and equal rights," she said, pointing out the irony that "united we stand; divided we fall" has taken a back seat to the "divide and conquer" mentality. "Send me to tell the people of America," she said, "that cooperation, not division, is the only way to live."

"Because of [Dr. King], schools are now desegregated; racism in this country has been openly challenged; and we have the right to be whatever we please," said high school winner Jennifer Obakhume, the 11th grader from Inglewood High School who placed first in the high school division. "Truly, we owe it not only to him, but also to ourselves to make life better." Jennifer closed with her own inspirational example. "I sustain a 4.0 GPA and steer clear of the drug and violence scene. I take my education seriously because I refuse to be another one of America's so-called 'Black statistics of failure' because I live my days by 'having a dream.' I am truly ready to stand before this world and shout, 'Here I am, send me.'"

After the speeches, the student winners were presented with cash prizes. Mayor Roosevelt F. Dorn gave a special recognition to Inglewood Unified School District Board Members, Superintendent, and staff, in particular those who represented the district on the Martin Luther King Day Planning Committee.

The service was followed by the annual march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It featured approximately 2,000 students marching and performing side by side along the parade route, which wended its way from Faithful Central Bible Church to Hollywood Park. Bystanders lined the parade route, waving and cheering for students, teachers, community members, and all who marched in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.