La Lumiere Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Our La Lumiere came together for a reflective student-led event this past Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Caitlyn Smith, a sophomore boarding student, started the event with an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have A Dream Speech, “I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.’" These historic words, uttered nearly 60 years ago, set the tone for an assembly that offered hope, but also served as a reminder that there is still much work to be done.

Mrs. Church, La Lumeire’s Director of Wellness and Inclusion, offered insight into the Civil Rights Movement and provided historical context for the event:

”Every one of us has an innate desire to be respected, accepted, to be connected with others and to belong. Martin Luther King Jr. understood this and committed his life to creating an environment in America, where everyone has an equal opportunity to experience these things. In so doing, Martin Luther King Jr. helped lay the foundation on which, as a nation, we continue to build a climate that helps us grow toward equality and justice for all,” Mrs. Church said. “As students share some perspectives on this journey, we are thankful that the community at La Lumiere affords us the freedom to celebrate and appreciate our differences, learn from each other, and grow!”

Shifting to more recent movements, Lydia Capaldi, a senior, provided insight into the Black Lives Matter movement. She also sat down with Mr. Hoyt for an impactful question and answer session. Lydia’s eloquence and openness was a powerful voice for our community to hear. 

Also within the assembly were performances of song and poetry by our boarding and day students. Charlotte Visconsi and Alex Park, both seniors, performed an acoustic rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” Lamariah Branch, a sophomore, sang a rendition of “Powerful” by Empire Cast.  Sincere Clemons, Maisie Jenuwine, both sophomores, and Alexa Harkness, a junior, gave poetry readings by influential Black poets.

Quentin Funderburg closed the presentations off with a presentation on white privilege and how there is still much work to be done both within our community and in our nation.

“Each year, the students put together a thought-provoking, interesting program to mark this important day,” said Mr. Kronk, La Lumiere’s Head of School. “This years was a shining example of that. I was moved by the depth and breadth of perspectives they shared and the vulnerability it took to do so. I’m grateful we have a community where this is possible.” 

We are thankful for all of our students and faculty who took part in putting together the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event: Caitlyn Smith, Charlotte Visconsi, Alex Park, Sincere Clemons, ALexa Harkness, Maisie Jenuwine, Lydia Capaldi, Lamariah Branch, Vanessa Thomas, Quentin Funderburg, Mrs. Church, and Mr. Hoyt. We are thankful for the knowledge and strength of our students. And, we are extremely proud when our students make their voices heard.