Wake Forest Student-Athletes Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
1/16/2023 7:00:00 AM | General
On this annual day that honors his legacy and impact on America and the Civil Rights movement, several Demon Deacon student-athletes explained in their own words what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means to them.
As Wake Forest Athletics continues to strive for unity and to promote equality for everyone in the Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and broader communities, student-athletes from different programs spoke about the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s social justice work has had on them.
"MLK reminds me to fight for what is right and he reminds me that it can be done peacefully. He also reminds me to love each other no matter what race, ethnicity or background you come from. You should judge someone by their character rather than their race or appearance."
Isaiah Chaney, Football
"MLK Day to me represents progress and hope. Martin Luther King emulated qualities of leadership that mobilized the country. His life's work was fighting for justice and equality which can still be applied today."
Kalani Whillock, Volleyball
"Martin Luther King Day to me means recognizing our continued mission of racial equality and reminding ourselves of Martin Luther King, who was a trailblazer of this mission. I reflect on this day by thinking about what it truly means to treat someone equally. I will always fight the implicit biases I have as a white woman, but I can choose every day to consciously change the way I think about people who look different than me. This perception allows one to see diversity as the most beautiful thing in the world and something essential for a flourishing society."Emilia Migliaccio, Women's Golf
"Martin Luther King Day to me is a reminder of how to never take my opportunities for granted at this institution. The name makes me believe that I can achieve my goals with hard work and determination. I also believe that realizing the strife that our predecessors survived are due to them finding comfort being uncomfortable. As a black student-athlete, I am faced with difficult situations and decisions to make everyday. I am responsible for displaying a positive representation for my race and culture and that responsibility enables me to strive to be a good person each day I step on campus. I think on a day like MLK Day we all should reflect and appreciate the people that came before us to set us up for opportunities like attending Wake Forest."
Chase Oliver, Men's Soccer
"MLK Day gives me the opportunity to evaluate the role I am playing in my community as an activist and reflect on how well I am emulating the impeccable qualities he practiced, most specifically non-violence and listening skills."
Amelia Frey, Field Hockey
"Martin Luther King Jr. and what he did means so much to me because he helped fight for racial equality and justice. I reflect on this day as a celebration of who we are as humans and how we are all equal regardless of the color of our skin."
Alyssa Andrews, Women's Basketball
"MLK stood firmly for many different movements throughout his time, which inspires me to be the best version of myself while standing for what I believe in."
Clay Stirsman, Men's Golf
"MLK Day reminds me of the persistence required to achieve one's visions."
Luke Tewalt, Track & Field/Cross Country
"One of his most famous quotes states, 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.' This quote serves as a reminder to me regarding how important it is to stick up for what you believe in."
Maddy Howard, Women's Soccer
"Martin Luther King Jr. was an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his leadership and advocacy for equality and nonviolence. Martin Luther King Day is special because it honors the legacy and work of a great civil rights leader who fought for equality and justice for all people. Martin Luther King was an incredible leader and advocate for civil rights in our country, his efforts have greatly improved the lives of many people and continue to inspire generations to come."
Will Andrews, Baseball
"Martin Luther King Day is an opportunity to reflect on how far our country has come regarding racial justice and inequality and gives us the ability to evaluate where changes still need to be made."
RJ Kennah, Men's Basketball
"I use this day to reflect on the change that can occur when people come together as one. The power that a movement has on an entire country can change the course of history forever." Matthew Thomson, Men's Tennis
"'We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is not today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.' I think this quote is just as pertinent now as it was in the 60s, and I think it serves as a reminder of the 'fierce urgency of now' we must adopt to address things we believe must change. I hope to reflect on this quote on MLK Day to center my thoughts on the injustices and ills I see in the world around me. More importantly than that, I hope I might use this reflection going into the new year as a way I might begin to think about using the privileges and opportunities I have to help those in my community with a greater sense of urgency."
Caroline Garrett, Track & Field/Cross Country
.jpg&height=340&type=webp)
