Schools
Oak Knoll students reflect on legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Students watched video, recited poems and discussed the life and accomplishments of the civil rights leader.
The entire student body at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child commemorated the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with several activities over the course of two days.
The Society of Black Schools discussed Dr. King’s life and impact during a presentation to their Upper School classmates on January 19.
Senior Hayla Yanes ’16 specifically discussed several interesting facts about the civil rights leader, including:
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· Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at the age of 35, becoming the youngest man to earn the distinction at the time.
· There are more than 730 streets named after him in the United States.
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· Dr. King was strongly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement who also promoted nonviolent protest.
Members of the Black Scholars additionally compared demonstrations that occurred during Dr. King’s time to those in modern-day America.
Students also watched a YouTube video featuring Robby Novak, who portrays the character “Kid President,” discussing Dr. King’s ongoing legacy and how today’s youth can continue the spirit of his words and deeds.
Last week, Lower School students celebrated Dr. King’s life by watching a video presentation by BrainPop Jr. about the civil rights leader’s impact on today’s world.
Students from the Junior Shades organization also recited a poem written by Oak Knoll alumna Naji Thompson ’15, entitled “What is a King?”
The Society of Black Scholars is a group at Oak Knoll that meets to discuss, organize and plan activities that celebrate the culture and ethnicity of African-Americans. The group also joins Black Scholars from other independent schools to dialogue and socialize. While the meetings focus on issues pertaining to African-Americans and their culture, all students are welcome.
Shades is Oak Knoll’s multicultural association. At weekly meetings, members share their cultures and ethnicities and discuss current topics about diversity. Activities include trips to multicultural conferences and visits to guidance classes to broaden the discussion of diversity at Oak Knoll. Members present multicultural topics at school assemblies and sponsor programs to which other schools are invited.
