“The Content of Our Character”
2012 MLK Celebration
This year’s theme, “The Content of Our Character,” invites us to reflect on and celebrate as a community both our history and how today will be remembered. In 105 Dartmouth Hall on the evening of May 23, 1962, standing ovations welcomed Dr. King to the podium. His lecture on the state of the civil rights movement was the highlight of that year’s Great Issues course, then a core academic component for all seniors. King’s words profoundly influenced those who attended the lecture “Towards Freedom.” That was 50 years ago and this year’s events will give us the opportunity to both look back and look forward to see the impact of people's choices and character when serving others.
In the summer of 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a 17-minute speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. These 17 minutes were a defining moment for the American Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King spoke to over 200,000 civil rights supporters, declaring, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Our keynote speaker, Coach Herman Boone, gave breath to this dream in 1971. Racial tensions ran high at T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, as three schools merged to form a newly integrated one. He accepted the position of head coach. Out of this experience the story of Remember the Titans emerged. They won the state championship that year. Coach Boone is sure to motivate and inspire us with his presentations on respect, teamwork, and community involvement, all powerful aspects of character.
On January 19th during our annual community lunch, a panel of alumni will share stories of their work helping to secure voting rights for all Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Character again is evident as Dartmouth students share their experiences around the globe and through the work of this year’s Social Justice Awards honorees locally, nationally and internationally. We celebrate Dr. King, his vision and those who are working each day bringing the dream to reality. We celebrate the progress with our eye on the next right thing to think, to say and to do... all revealing the content of our character.
Participating in the many events and programs being offered on campus during these few weeks in January will give you opportunities to reflect, learn and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and life with a broad range of members from the Upper Valley community. You can view a detailed schedule of events at 2012 MLK calendar. Please note that campus leaders and organizers welcome and encourage you to participate in all facets of the 2012 Celebration. Your presence will make a difference.
Gabrielle Lucke
Chair, 2012 MLK Celebration Committee
Julliette Bianco ’94
Jalil M. Bishop ’14
Christine Crabb ’90
Michelle Loveys Dozier
Lauren Frank
Nicole Gilbert
Sadhana Hall
Margaret Lawrence
Gabrielle Lucke
Linda Martin
Myron McCoo
Kurt Nelson
Amy Newcomb
Christopher A. O’Connell ’13
Shawn O’Leary
Stephanie Pacheco
Maghan Porter
Elise M. Smith ’13
Sarah Sinclair
Molly St. Sauveur
