SEMO’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner was held Thursday, Jan. 23 at the Show Me Center to honor the late civil rights activist. Students, alumni, faculty and members of the community braved the cold to listen to music performances from SEMO students and enjoy a buffet-style dinner.
This year’s theme was “Against All Odds, Through Courage & Resilience,” reflecting the personal journey and challenges of Dr. King.
Sophomore psychology major Aniah Gray, who was one of the student hosts for the evening, felt the importance of Dr. King’s life personally.
“As an African American, MLK does mean a lot to me and SEMO means a lot to me as well, so putting those two together makes sense for me to be the Master of Ceremonies for tonight,” Gray said.
The keynote speaker, Zaki Ali, spoke on the message of the evening with his own personal journey and struggles.
“This presentation is about my journey and to let you know from a perspective of faith, courage and resilience,” Ali said.
Ali struggled with dyslexia, overcame those odds to become a successful student-athlete, and then went on to become a pharmaceutical representative. However, his life changed when his mother was wrongfully imprisoned, and he decided to pursue a law degree to help others who were wrongfully convicted.
Ali notably mentioned his mother, as well as Dr. King, to be one of the biggest mentors in his life.
“My mother was my idol,” Ali said. “She is my blueprint for life.”
Director of Campus Life and Event Services Michelle Irby remarked on Ali’s story and how it tied into celebrating Dr. King.
“I think he has an amazing personal story,” Irby said. “I think it was great he could share his struggles and perseverance and how Southeast played a part in that and relating that to Dr. King.”
Ali’s story was a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and how many lives were changed by his civil rights movement.
Sophomore criminal justice, psychology, political science and anthropology major Emilie Torres believed Dr. King’s message of peace should be remembered.
“I think it’s important to see how he made change peacefully and really changed not only one generation but an entire world.” Torres said.
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