Reflecting on the legacy of MLK Jr. in Springfield

Today around the world and here at home communities have reflected on the life legacy and enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. 22 news reporter Kaylee Thomas live in studio to share how dr. King influenced our region over the decades Nick and CR. We are taking a look back at a powerful moment in local history One many might not know happened in the city of Springfield The date was June 14th 1964 the civil rights movement was gaining momentum and on that day dr. Martin Luther King jr. Stood before the graduating class of Springfield College to deliver the commencement address Months before he would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and recite his I have a dream speech I think dr. King really was a great patriot Someone who really loved the country I think for the right reasons Professor of communications Martin Dobrow has long studied and written about King's commencement address Dobrow shared that just three days before dr. King was expected to arrive on campus. He was arrested in Florida for ordering at a whites-only restaurant There was significant pressure placed on Glenn Olds the college's president at the time to revoke King's invitation to speak on campus Following his arrest, but Olds rejected such pleas and contacted law enforcement to attempt to have King released Really is a moment that Springfield College can be very proud of and that we can all again learn a great deal from it Was pivotal moments like this that have inspired generations of activists educators and everyday citizens It's really critically important that we continue to fight for Injustices we continue to fight racism. We continue to fight for You know job creation better housing Better places to get food and really helping our young people know that Dr. King was fighting for all people and they hope to keep the cycle of change going It's very important that our kids our future years be kids being leaders that look like them In position of leadership that they can see too big and say tomorrow We can do the same thing if she did it we can do it, too If you're interested in hearing dr. King's Springfield College commencement address in full head to our website working for you Kelly Thomas 22 news