Jan 22, 2025
Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Tonja Williams Knight.
A full week of impactful initiatives at the State University of New York at Fredonia will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A keynote address by the superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, a tribute to Dr. King’s vision presented by students through music, dance, poetry and performance, four alumni spotlight/fireside chats, a community day of service and high school student creativity awards will commemorate the week the campus will observe Monday, Jan. 27, through Saturday, Feb. 1.
“The 2024 inaugural calendar of events was a tremendous success,” Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vicki T. Sapp said of last year’s programming. “The Martin Luther King Jr. Presidential Commission is excited to bring forth a powerful and meaningful week of events,” added Dr. Sapp, who co-chairs the commission with Vice President for Student Affairs Tracy Stenger.
Events are free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members.
Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Tonja Williams Knight, a leading voice in education, will deliver the keynote in the Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall on Friday, Jan. 31 at 4:30 p.m. “What would Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. say in 2025?” is the theme of her address.
“This question is resounding, and it is multilayered because in some ways we have come far over these 61 years and in some ways, we know that the dream for equity and equality for all continues to be, just that…still just a dream,” Dr. Knight commented. King would be proud of these moments in which messages promoting active engagement are shared, she added. Knight has professional and administrative certifications as well as degrees in executive leadership and business administration. Over a 32-year career in Buffalo Public Schools, Knight has served as a director of guidance and counseling, school principal, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, interim superintendent and, since 2022, superintendent. She is a recipient of a Harvard University School Leader Turnaround Certificate. Her doctoral dissertation work on African American students and the college application process was chosen as the “Most Scholarly Dissertation” by her graduating doctoral cohort.
SUNY Fredonia’s African Drumming Ensemble will also perform. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem, will be sung by Esther Duclair, a senior Music Performance major with a concentration in Voice, of West Babylon, NY. She will be accompanied by School of Music Assistant Professor Jiyong Kim Mai.
The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Chamber Choir will sing “Song for Justice,” conducted by Jennie Billera, a music educator in Buffalo Public Schools. Joining the choir in a second selection will be students enrolled in MUED 391: Elementary School Choral Rehearsal Techniques in singing “The Dream Keeper,” dedicated to the memory of King. School of Music Visiting Instructor Travis Gratteau-Zinnel will conduct, and Assistant Professor Mai will accompany on the piano.
The top three area high school students who are recipients of cash prizes in the Days of Education Creativity Contest will also be recognized.
A reception in Mason Hall Room 1080 will follow the program.
“Raising Our Voices to Share His Dream,” a student celebration of King’s vision through music, dance, poetry and performance, will be presented on Tuesday, 4 p.m. in the Williams Center Multipurpose Room. Featured student performing clubs include a cappella group Premium Blend, singing “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Rince: Fredonia Irish Dance, presenting “Countless Cathleen,” and Orchesis dance with, “Treat People with Kindness.” SUNY Fredonia’s African Drumming Ensemble will also perform.
Nyles Emile, president of the Black Student Union and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair of the Performing Arts Company, will read “Color Stride Along Side Me,” a poem he wrote. He is a senior majoring in Acting from Springfield Gardens, NY.
Recipients of the 2025 Keeper of Dream Scholarships will be announced and invited to offer their own reflections. Rosa Parks Scholarship information will also be presented.
Student Association President Dakota Richter, a senior Biology major with a minor in Communication, from Silver Creek, will issue a serve and learn challenge.
A large-group photo of attendees with a banner featuring King with his famous quote “I have a dream that…” will also be taken on the stage.
“The concept aligned with the banner is to provoke attendees to reflect on their lives and the contributions that they made or plan to make to positively impact or influence the world today,” Sapp explained. “They are invited to write down what would be their dream to complete the famous Dr. M.L.K. Jr. ‘I have a Dream’ speech.”
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