The pews at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Princeton were filled with local leaders and community members for the 8th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Program – “The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right” – featuring keynote speaker Dr. Saundra Ardrey.
Princeton Mayor Brock Thomas welcomed everyone to the MLK, Jr. program followed by Lisa Moore who presented the opening remarks and introduced the essay winners – Evan Ramage, Caden Alfred, and Isabella Burton – who each read a summary of their winning essay. Piper Norris was also an essay winner but did not attend the program.
The crowd also heard special music from Lynn Dixon and Caldwell County Judge-Executive Kota Young who introduced Western Kentucky University Professor Dr. Ardrey after reading her lengthy resume including her interests and accomplishments.
During Dr. Ardrey’s speech, she pointed out that colleges and universities are not preparing our students to thrive and compete globally or to understand cultures different than their own. She said in order for us to survive and thrive in the 21st Century there must be social justice, compassion, and understanding across cultures and communities. She added that it is her fear in our current political climate we in the United States are losing our compassion and being caught up with who is right and who is wrong. She pointed out that the lack of social justice and continuing equality threatens the very fabric of our society.
click to download audioTo answer the questions of what we can do, and what is expected of ourselves, she read another quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
click to download audioDr. Ardrey gave some advice when dealing with issues of social injustice and oppression by becoming an ally. She said there are four basic levels of ally involvement. First is awareness.
click to download audioShe pointed out you also need to check your privilege whether it’s an abled privilege, male privilege, sexual orientation, or race privilege.
The second step is knowledge or education.
click to download audioShe noted skills make up the third level of how to become an effective ally.
click to download audioShe said the last step to becoming an ally is an action which she said is the most important and most frightening step.
click to download audioFollowing Dr. Ardrey’s speech, Pat George with the organizing committee presented certificates to the essay winners. She also stated they had 112 primary school students who participated in a coloring contest.
To hear the MLK, Jr. program in its entirety click on the audio link below:
