Uniondale School District Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Uniondale Union Free School District recently celebrated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars across the District participated in various activities, including an art and essay exhibit, a musical tribute and a panel discussion to reflect on Dr. King's legacy, as well as the ongoing struggles in American society.

Across the District, nearly 500 pieces of original work by Uniondale scholars were submitted to the New York State Education Department's artwork and essay exhibit. Scholars' submissions honored Dr. King through reflections on his Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence. To view the 2023 New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibit, visit http://bit.ly/3WsKVXP.

"As a District, we take great care in promoting the vast contributions Dr. King and other leaders have made to promote civil rights, economic justice and education," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil. “Engaging our scholars in this art exercise, as well as the other activities that took place across the District in the week leading up to the national MLK Day of Service holiday provided both creative and educational opportunities to personalize Dr. King’s message for each of our scholars."

At the high school, in a special episode of the Knight Shop, scholars celebrated Dr. King's legacy by sitting down for a chat about Dr. King's impact. During this episode, Uniondale High School Principal Mark McCaw posed a question for the panel, asking them about the need for continued social change. Each panelist expressed their experiences about needing to be their own advocate and how each and every person needs to be the voice of change.

"We understand that we're in a time where we're fighting for change, we're fighting for justice, we're fighting for equality and we're fighting to be our normal selves," said Principal McCaw. "We thank juniors Jayden Prophete and Edder Nieto Sigaran and seniors Medijina Chery and Nachurel Mitechell for taking the time to sit down and chat with us about the economic, political and cultural changes still needed to truly achieve Dr. King’s vision of a just and equitable society."

Also at the high school, members of the Uniondale High School chorus performed a tribute to Dr. King, singing "Rise Up" by Andra Day. The emotional tribute included a segment with pictures from present-day protests and speeches by Dr. King. To view the Knight Shop episode and tribute to Dr. King, visit http://bit.ly/3IXx74I.

In a letter to the Uniondale community, Dr. Akil spoke about Dr. King's mission of education to build intelligence with character. Dr. Akil also asked the community to remember the countless others whose contributions to the Civil Rights Movement have helped the U.S. move forward to a more just society.

For more information about the Uniondale Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://district.uniondaleschools.org, and 'like' our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uniondalek12. #IgniteInspireInnovate