King’s legacy honored at annual celebration

By Amelia Heymann

Community was at the heart of Virginia Commonwealth University’s MLK Keynote Celebration on Jan. 22 at the Institute for Contemporary Art.

Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., vice provost of community engagement at VCU, said the university’s weeklong series of events that culminated with the keynote was not only a chance to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also an invitation to reflect and “ask us to examine our integrity, our authenticity and how real we are in relation to the values, principles and actions that defined his life.”

“What I have come to understand more deeply over time is this: It is not what we say that defines us – it is what we do,” Mosavel said. “It is in the doing that we come to know who we truly are.”

The highlight of the keynote celebration was a panel of community leaders that included DreMon Miller, founder and CEO of Street Smartz of Safety and chair of the Reynolds Community College criminal justice department; Angela Patton, founder and CEO of Girls For A Change; and Elijah Lee, a student, community activist and co-president of Voters of Tomorrow. Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., assistant professor and M.S.W. program director in the VCU School of Social Work, served as the panel’s moderator.

Verenda Cobbs, senior manager for civic innovation and partnership at VCU, said the broader Richmond community plays a critical role in the planning of VCU’s MLK celebration activities – which is reflective of their relationship throughout the year.

“One of the things that we have been intentional about is showing up in the community and really learning about what they want and need but also building a relationship with them that allows us to build trust,” Cobbs said. “And then from trust, we're helping them to create community, but also identifying how VCU resources can be allocated to support their needs.”

Stephen Davenport, assistant vice president for social and economic development, said VCU wouldn't be able to operate without a close relationship with Richmond-area residents and institutions.

“Anytime we have an opportunity to showcase our appreciation for the city that we serve we try to highlight those voices,” Davenport said.

Food for the reception was provided by Autumn’s Custom Catering, a Richmond-based, Black-owned business. The Black Awakening Choir, a VCU student group, performed at the event, and Khalil Houston, a VCU alum, shared spoken word poetry.

More than 200 people attended the keynote celebration.

“I think that speaks to the commitment that we made as an institution for thriving communities,” Cobbs said. “But also to say, ‘Hey, this is our university. We want to open up the doors and offer a space for you to come and be in community with us.’”