Students and faculty gathered on the cool winter day of January 20th to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and immerse themselves in the cultural music he was known to love, as well as some more recent tunes. This musical journey, known as “Soul Sounds” and performed by Key Arts Productions, was a wonderful experience that highlighted the importance of celebrating Black history.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who became one of the most well-known speakers for the American Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. King advocated for nonviolent protests and civil disobedience to combat racial segregation in the United States. His leadership helped propel the Civil Rights Movement forward, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His famous “I Have A Dream” speech became a defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring people across the country to stand up and fight for the equality of all people.
Much like King, many influential Black singers and songwriters of this time period touched people’s hearts around the world. Music has always been a source of resistance and unity for various groups of people, and this was beautifully showcased by Key Arts Productions on MLK Day. During the Civil Right Movement, music was more than entertainment; for many, it served as a vehicle for social change and spiritual renewal.
From Jazz to Blues to Soul, the many genres highlighted in this performance fostered a sense of connection for Grier’s student body, both connection to the past generations who gave life to these genres and to one another as students were brought together to celebrate such an important day in history. 10th grader, Pia Rock, mentioned that a moment of connection that really stuck out to her was “when everyone went up on the stage and started clapping and dancing.”
Grier’s Head of School, Ms. Lawler, commented on the necessity of finding time to connect and reflect on this holiday. “It’s important to bring people together for this assembly because it’s important to honor Dr. King and the differences that he made in the United States,” Lawler said.
Dr. King understood the power of music in uniting people. Key Arts Production showed this past week that his legacy lives on, not only through his contributions to the civil rights movement but also through the music that was, and is still, a significant part of American culture.
Ms. Dunklebarger • Jan 31, 2025 at 10:18 am
A wonderfully written recap of a moving experience! Great job!