“Rather it be the big things or small things, love conquers all things.”
Student, YL, Personal Quote from the “Learn” Station
On Monday, January 15th, 2024, around 50 students and their guardians walked into a quiet area on a brisk winter’s day. The students were offered a rare opportunity to see the Delta Center almost completely empty, a contrast to the nearly full arena just a few hours later. The halls may have been empty but the court was filled with professional players warming up for the big game, which students were able to observe before kickstarting the experience. After a sunset dinner high in the skyline at Club South, students listened to a virtual message from Gov. and First Lady Cox about what it means to connect with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles of nonviolence. Students were then able to experience the core stations that the MLK Jr. Human Rights Commission and L3Harris Technologies facilitated.
“The purpose of this event is to learn more about the philosophies of Dr. King and how we can use his teachings throughout the year. To explore the changes he proposed that can make Utah a place where everyone can thrive. And to practice how we can disagree better — in order to find common ground and see each other’s humanity.”
Gov. Spencer J. Cox
The stations were based on the Observance Toolkit the commission created the previous year, which revolved around the following pillars:
- Learn: Youth reflected on one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s messages, listed the impact they would like to make in their communities, and created their own quotes.
- Ask: This was a time to ask questions. The core of the station took inspiration from Gov. Cox’s “Disagree Better” initiative. Students embraced the complex emotions that come from disagreement and practiced asking themselves what they have in common with people they disagree with.
- Explore: This was an engaging activity run by L3Harris Technologies where students used laptops or their phones to explore the prompts and work together to find solutions.
- Practice and Do: Youth continued to collaborate by packaging weekend food kits for food-insecure students. This was a platform for our attendees to see how one small action can make a direct impact. The supplies were donated and re-distributed by United Way.
“These experiences help our youth understand the importance of Dr. King’s vision, provide opportunities to learn together, and continue the commitment to promote Dr. King’s dream.”
Eddy Thompson, Global Trade Manager at L3Harris Technologies
After the experience and final words from the commission’s active chair, Dr. Tamara N. Stevenson, the youth and their parents were able to walk directly to their seats for the Utah Jazz game.
The holiday was not a day off, but the start of a journey for our young leaders and parents alike. This event would not have been possible without the support of our community partners who connected us to youth, and the coordination of the team at the Utah Division of the Multicultural Affairs. Thank you to our partners at L3Harris Technologies, and the Utah Jazz who made the event possible. And a final moment of gratitude for the students who attended.
“Our partnership with the Utah Jazz for the MLK Day Youth Event guides us to engage with Utah students and families in learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so that we may share and practice his legacy where we learn, work, worship, pray, and love to actualize his vision of the Beloved Community.”
Dr. tamara Stevenson, Active Chair of the Commission