‘Together’s the only way’: Unity theme resonates at tribute to MLK

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Poetry, music and inspirational words were shared Friday afternoon in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy during the 34th MLK schoolwide assembly at Billy Mills Middle School.

The guest speaker for the event was Lt. Myrone Grady, executive officer of diversity and community engagement for the Lawrence Police Department. Grady is in his 22nd year of service, which includes school resource officer duties at the school, then known as South Middle School, from 2008 to 2012.

“Personally and professionally, I grew up here,” Grady said. “I would not be in the position I am in today had I not been able to be the SRO at this special place.”

Grady graduated from Fort Hays State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in political science and justice studies. This semester, he joins the Criminal Justice program at the University of Kansas as an adjunct professor.

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Myrone Grady

Grady recalled that a large portion of Americans — including Black people — did not support King and his efforts at the time of his death.

Whether or not one is liked, Grady said, there are three words that are actionable: courage, commitment and kindness.

“I hope that one day, when you have a chance to show courage, that you do it,” Grady said. “I hope that all of you can find something in your life that’s worth committing to. It brings purpose, and purpose brings peace. And everyone in here can be kind. It’s a choice. Do the right thing.”

Grady concluded his message with an African proverb.

“It says, ‘If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together,’” Grady said. “And together’s the only way.”

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Andrew Taylor

Principal Andrew Taylor told more than 400 students, staff and community members in attendance he had drawn inspiration from an art installation of rainbow wings created by BMMS students coupled with King’s famous quote, “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Taylor said no matter where a movement started or how small it might be, that movement is powerful if “we all push forward together.”

“When we unite, we are capable of soaring to great heights, just as Dr. King urged us to rise above challenges and keep moving forward,” Taylor said.

The annual event kicked off with a reading of Langston Hughes’ poem “I Dream a World.” Students shared stanzas illustrating Hughes’ hope for a world where people overcome racism and oppression while achieving the same freedoms.

“Where wretchedness will hang its head, and joy, like a pearl, attends the needs of all mankind — of such I dream, my world,” a student read into the microphone.

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times

During one of several numbers by Lawrence High School and BMMS staff and students, Collin Watgen conducted the BMMS Eighth-Grade Band as it performed “… Like a Mighty Stream” by Johnnie Vinson, which was commissioned with a grant from Lawrence Schools Foundation.

Solemn and hopeful musical sections, interspersed with spoken words by Megan Reynolds, conveyed remembrances of King’s life, death and influence.

“Dr. King was struck down by an assassin’s bullet in 1968, tragically becoming a victim of the very violence to which he was opposed,” Reynolds told the crowd.

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Eighth graders Trey Downing and Grace Oparaji help emcee the event.

The event was emceed by BMMS teacher Keith Self and eighth graders Grace Oparaji and Trey Downing. Organizers recognized retired teachers Betty Norwood and Jill Jevens for their contributions and dedication to the event throughout the years.

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times The crowd recognizes Betty Norwood.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Jill Jevens waives to the crowd.

Lawrence Public Schools will host the district’s annual King celebration, “One Dream: Protecting Respect, Courage, and Responsibility in the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” on Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Lied Center.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a student gallery and educational resources to peruse. A program with performances and acknowledgement of honorees from across the school district starts at 6:30.

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Lt. Myrone Grady shares words of encouragement.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Myrone Grady
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Collin Watgen
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Megan Reynolds
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Lawrence High School choir members perform.

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Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Billy Mills Middle School’s Cougar Chorus sings “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” by Paul Robeson.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Sixteen Billy Mills Middle School students come together to recite “Praise Song for the Day” by Elizabeth Alexander.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times Keith Self
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
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Tricia Masenthin (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at tmasenthin (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.

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