More Than Just a Dream

The fight against racial and economic inequality is eternal and universal.

During Martin Luther King Week, Western engaged in that battle by hosting a series of lectures and events that highlighted the work of Dr. King and the ideals he expounded.   "MLK legacy is so much more than just his "I have a dream" speech. During this week, we wanted to focus on the economic inequalities [King] observed in the past, and that we still acknowledge today," said Advisor of Multicultural Student Services and planner of this educational week Yokiko Swain.

Those who planned the weekend wanted to bring awareness to the dramatic difference in opportunity between those in contrary income levels.  Two years before he died, King was advancing the Poor People's campaign, which was the second phase in the civil rights movement. By mobilizing all races, King crusaded for equal opportunity concerning jobs, income and housing despite economic class.  Today that same desire for equality is mirrored at Western.  

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Black Student Union President Bobby Alexander gave a historic look into the Poor Peoples Campaign, and on Jan. 18th, he went more in depth on how economic discrepancy effects students today during presentations given to the Western community.  "In light of [King's] celebration, it is important to update our knowledge of the world so we can accurately determine what steps are still necessary to achieve [King's] dream," said Alexander.

According to the U.S Census Bureau, the nation's poverty rate is the highest since 1993, with 46.2 million living in poverty. USA Today notes that 50.7 million are uninsured and CNN Money states the average student debt to be over $25,250.

These statistics go directly against the promises laid forth in the Economic Bill of Rights that King tried so passionately to advance. These truths included the right to a job, adequate protection from economic fears and old age, right to a good education and adequate medical care.

"Understanding the U.S. as a whole and policies that effect how students are accessing higher education is vital; the financial aid con only take you so far. We must see a dramatic change in how wealth and opportunity is distributed and accessed," said Swain.

That change has to happen in the psyche before policies are altered, which is why being informed on issues is mandatory. Thursday was the MLK commemorative dinner, but due to weather is postponed till Feb. 9.

National bestseller of the autobiography "Kaffir Boy," Dr. Mark Mathabane will be the keynote speaker and will inform on his experiences in apartheid South Africa. As someone who lived in racial and extreme economic inequality, Mathabane will be a relevant resource to educate both students and faculty.  This event will be held in the Pacific Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 9.  

Those involved in the presentations and dinner preparations are passionate about fighting against all forms of inequality and hope awareness on issues continue beyond holiday weeks. "The first lesson my parents taught me is that there are some things worth getting your ass kicked for, if you lose a fight, it is okay, at least people will know you will fight for something," said Alexander.