Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy: A Message of Unity and Hope

Dear Morgan Community,

On this day, we pause to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a visionary leader who championed justice, equality, and the transformative power of love and nonviolence. Dr. King’s profound commitment to uplifting humanity and his unwavering belief in the potential for unity among citizens of all races, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds must remain a guiding light for us all. He would undoubtedly remind us, as President Abraham Lincoln once said, that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

This year, the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day coincides with the inauguration of the nation’s president. As a community rooted in education, resilience, and progress, we must embrace Dr. King’s call to engage in the democratic process, even when outcomes differ from our expectations. Dr. King urged us to remain steadfast in our commitment to building a society grounded in justice, fairness, freedom, mutual respect, and understanding. We must never revert to the darker periods of America’s history—a history that I have lived through and will never forget.

In navigating this moment, let us draw inspiration from Dr. King’s principles. His dream of a “beloved community” teaches us to lead with empathy, embrace dialogue, and work tirelessly for a more equitable future. At Morgan, we are uniquely positioned to foster these values, empowering our students, faculty, and staff to be agents of positive change. Together, we must continue the fight for justice and equality.

As we reflect on this day, I challenge our community to reaffirm our shared commitment to excellence, inclusion, and service. We are all Americans and must be treated equally. By standing together, we will continue to rise, embodying the principles that Dr. King held so dear and striving to create a better tomorrow for all.

Finally, I encourage you to explore one of Dr. King’s most powerful works: Why We Can’t Wait. It remains an essential and timely read.

In unity and hope, your president,

David K. Wilson