In His Own Words: Bucknell Community Rediscovers Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

“After contemplation, I conclude that this award which I receive on behalf of that movement is a profound recognition that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time – the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression.” These powerful words from Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech exemplifies his philosophy on social change that must still be understood today. In an era full of uncertainty and fear, it is vital that United States citizens remember King’s message, one that puts love above violence on the road to social justice. 

On Friday, January 24th, Bucknell University students and faculty met in the Elaine Langone Center’s Diversity and Inclusion Multipurpose Room to listen to Martin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech and have a critical conversation about the depth of his message, and how it can still be applied today. Juliana Fedorko, Class of 2025, a member of the Bucknell Student Government and a student representative for MLK Week, led the discussion. When asked why it was so important to gather and listen to King’s speech, she said that “during our current political climate, many people have been taking the words of Martin Luther King and skewing them to fit their own agendas.” She emphasized the importance of us “listening critically to his deeper message so that we can apply his teachings to the world around us today. “

Many students spoke up about how their previous education systems failed to go into depth about civil rights leaders such as MLK, as they were often introduced through brief excerpts from his “I Have a Dream” speech or isolated moments in the civil rights movement. Some students noted that while predominantly Black schools offered a more comprehensive coverage of civil rights history, predominantly white institutions treated the movement as something that “solved racism” and therefore required no further discussion. Many felt that they had to learn about the current struggles that minorities still face through their own personal research, and now get to engage more deeply through their classes and community discussions such as these at Bucknell. 

One striking aspect of King’s message that was deeply examined during the discussion is his consistent emphasis on love and nonviolence as transformative forces. Drawing from biblical principles, he positioned these not just as passive concepts, but as active strategies for achieving justice. This perspective challenges some modern-day narratives that social change requires violent uprisings. Kelly Knox, Associate Professor of Dance, shared a profound reflection on the speech’s continued relevance, “King had a certain faith in humanity, which is very striking thinking of the week that we’ve had and how we are still trying to keep that faith. It’s like this is a cycle that happens over and over again. I couldn’t believe how relevant this speech felt. It feels sad that we are not yet where King would want us to be, and not even on the road there.” Her comments emphasize the ongoing struggle for racial and social equality in the United States.

By creating space for deep listening and critical reflection, the organizers and participants hope to move beyond performative remembrance and begin taking action to continue King’s fight for equality that is still left unresolved in this country. As conversations about racial justice continue to evolve, events like this serve a crucial purpose. They remind people that understanding historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. requires more than memorizing quotes. It demands deep listening, critical engagement, and a commitment to continuing the work of creating a more just society.

Juliana Fedorko- jif002@bucknell.edu

Kelly Knox- kknox@bucknell.edu