Indiana State University professor, Brian McGowan, encouraged a full Peeler Auditorium at DePauw’s campus, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to recognize, “the same hardships that Dr. [Martin Luther] King fought for are still present today.”
McGowan called the day, “a recommitment opportunity,” while encouraging the audience to realize work still needs to be done. He believes there are still injustices present for all minorities today.
“I do not think we are in a place to celebrate,” he said. “Injustice affects everyone.”
McGowan directly addressed issues present on DePauw’s campus revolving around race, privilege, microaggressions, and police protests. Even though positive steps are being taken, he believes there is still a long way to go before racism is gone.
McGowan said often times people are not inherently being offensive; they simply say things without recognizing their implications, that, he said is a miroagression.
His message preceded the day of inclusion, which encouraged all faculty, staff and students to think about what they are saying and the potential messages their actions might carry.
“To be more like Dr. King we must think outside ourselves,” McGowan said. “Remember this was only 50 years ago.”
Further, McGowan took time to recognize the impact King made. He said King’s contributions were much greater than the Washington D.C. march and his famous “I have a Dream” speech.
“We have to be careful not to take what Dr. King said out of context,” McGowan said. “It is my hope we understand the real contributions.” He wanted the audience to understand there was more to his legacy than what most people learned in elementary school, and that it must continue today.
“He stood for what was right,” McGowan said the civil rights leader was focused on making real contributions and was not afraid or uncomfortable to stand up for what was right.
Student body vice president, Courtney Cosby believes the speeches and dialogue are important steps forward.
“We need to stop being passive and continue to make these strides," Cosby said, "not stop at one thing, and be active members."