Martin Luther King, Jr.'S Legacy Endures In Bellevue School District

Press release from the Bellevue School District:

January 16, 2022

BSD Schools Commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In 1983, legislation making Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a federal holiday was passed and signed into law. The first nationwide observance took place in 1986, and since that time, each community marks the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in unique and meaningful ways. BSD students have used this day to reflect on how Dr. King’s vision continues to reverberate for them.

On the south end of the district, members of the Newport High School Black Student Union put together a moving tribute and reflection of Dr. King’s life and legacy. They shared their tribute and asked fellow students to reflect on the impact of Dr. King’s work as a part of their MLK Day virtual assembly.

Throughout the district, schools have gathered together for similar virtual recognitions and will continue to host assemblies and moments of reflection in weeks to come. Each in their own way have found opportunities to engage with and celebrate Dr. King’s lasting legacy.

Panelists at Interlake HS Call for Greater Understanding

At Interlake High School, a virtual assembly was held on Friday, January 14. Members of the choir opened the assembly, which featured staff and community panelists answering student questions. Panelists were asked to share what they felt was the most important part of Dr. King’s legacy.

Bruce Jackson, special education teacher from Seattle Public Schools, identified the Birmingham Children’s Crusade of 1963. Historians have recognized this as a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. The courageous activism of young people, students in middle and high school, exhibited to the nation the depth of injustice they endured. Mr. Jackson identified this moment as a movement toward inter-generational activism.

Panelist Donte Felder, award-winning teacher from Seattle Public Schools and founder of South End Stories, noted that Dr. King’s lasting legacy was his call for non-violent protest. Sherman Hutcherson who teaches Race in the US at Interlake High School identified Dr. King’s enduring perseverance to create change, while BSD Director of Equity, Shomari Jones, noted Dr. King’s willingness to take action for a cause as a powerful example that everyone can follow.

Each educator called for students to continue to live out Dr. King’s dream by listening to one another, gaining multiple perspectives, and finding pathways to greater understanding.

This press release was produced by the Bellevue School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.