Subria Whitaker, '20, Reflects on MLK Anniversary in Memphis
UChicago Law Student Reflects on MLK Anniversary in Memphis
To recognize the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 2018, Rainbow PUSH organized a bus tour to Memphis, Tenn., for dozens of Chicagoans. The Office of Civic Engagement sponsored Subria Whitaker, a first year University of Chicago law student, to go on the trip. The following are her reflections on the experience.
Q: Why did you apply to participate in the bus tour to Memphis?
A: I applied to participate in the tour because I wanted to immerse myself, first-hand, in a small narrative of the civil rights movement. When I saw the email, I immediately thought about my family members marching on Bloody Sunday, my father serving in Vietnam, and my mom protesting and marching in Alabama 50 years ago. Growing up, I've always been told that in order to know where I'm going, I must know where I've been, and that's what exactly what this tour was about. When I applied to law school, I made the commitment to speak for those who cannot adequately speak for themselves; and to turn life's pain into passion, so that I can find my purpose. Sometimes, the experiences needed to fulfill these commitments just can't be found in a classroom, and as expected, this experience was one of them.
Q: What were some of the most memorable aspects of the trip to Memphis?
A: The I AM 2018 Mountaintop Conference at Mason Temple was the most memorable; it included a video message from President Barack Obama, moving song selections, and a breathtaking speech from Dr. Bernice A. King. Second, was the Sanitation Workers Rally and March hosted by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Common delivered an outstanding live performance of 'Glory' (from the Motion Picture Selma), which really complimented remarks from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Bobby Rush. Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Chris Tucker, and Glynn Turman led the march to Mason Temple, where elementary school children stood waiting for us, clapping, and cheering us on. At that moment, I realized how important the youth are, and I will never forget that image.
Read more at University of Chicago Civic Engagement