G. Christine Taylor, PhD, vice president and associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Alabama, was the keynote speaker at SIUE's Annual MLK Week Luncheon.
G. Christine Taylor, PhD, vice president and associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Alabama, witnessed a cross burning in her neighborhood; was among the first to integrate an all-white elementary school at the age of 5; and was welcomed and empowered by her white first-grade teacher to learn and succeed. These experiences and more fueled her in becoming a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion and positioned her to continue the work in today's troubling climate, Taylor told her audience Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week Luncheon Celebration.
Taylor was the guest speaker at the 36th MLK Week Luncheon, presented by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), which drew approximately 265 people.
"Even though King's speech was 50 years ago, please note the relevancy for 2019," said Taylor. "'We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. There is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is the thief of time. Let us rededicate ourselves to the long, bitter but beautiful struggle for a new world.
MLK award winners reflected on their winnings and the legacy of the civil rights leader and giant.
Smith says his MLK scholarship will help him continue his education, which in turn will assist him in furthering his leadership skills and community service.
"Dr. Martin Luther King embodies the kind of person I hope to become: a persuasive leader, a man of confidence, a devoted religious member and an excellent speaker of the truth," said Normington, who plans to major in English or business communications in college.
"I most admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ability to peacefully fight for his beliefs, even when faced with hatred," said Ramay, who aspires to major in biology or genetics in college.