Photo by: ©WFU/Ken Bennett
Wake Forest Student-Athletes Reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact
1/19/2026 5:00:00 AM | General
On this annual day that honors Dr. King’s legacy and profound impact during 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 for everyone at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem and communities beyond, student-athletes from several programs spoke about the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s social justice work has had on them.
Volleyball
"MLK Day is important to me because it's a time to reflect on and celebrate Dr. King's efforts to create equality for all people in this country. His leadership and drive inspire me, as he fought hard for what he believed in to make a positive change, especially for African-Americans. His impact reminds us that we should have the courage to stand up for what's right, even through adversity." - Sanaa Williams
Women's Soccer
"MLK Day is a time to reflect on all of the progress that we've made in promoting civil rights in this nation, while also continuing to uphold those values of equality and justice, both on the field and in our everyday lives. It serves as a reminder that the diversity of our student and athletics body here at Wake wouldn't be possible without the work done by Martin Luther King Jr. and similar figures in our history, and we must remain committed to carrying on that legacy today through serving our own communities and advocating for equity in our personal and professional spheres." - Sierra Sythe
Men's Soccer
"MLK Day is important to me because it serves as a reminder of the history and ongoing fight that allows me to be in spaces like Wake Forest today. As a Black student-athlete at a predominantly white, private institution, I recognize that the opportunities I have were not always accessible to people who look like me. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to justice, dignity and equality inspires me as a student-athlete to advocate for inclusion and respect, both on and off the field. His vision continues to stay with me as I navigate environments where progress has been made, but meaningful inclusion still requires effort.This day encourages the reflection on how far we've come and reminds me of the responsibility we share to continue working toward true equality." - Nico Rabiu
Women's Basketball
"Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy reminds me that using your voice matters, especially when it would be easier to stay silent. He showed what it means to lead by example, inspiring me to stand up for others and try to make a positive difference in my own community." - Milan Brown
Football
"Martin Luther King Jr. Day is special to me because it is a great reminder to always fight for what is right. It is always a day that I can reflect on everyday struggles and give thanks to the foundation he built for me and my peers." - Langston Hardy
"Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a reminder to me that my education carries a purpose beyond myself. It pushes me to learn with intention and to stand for something bigger than comfort or fear. His life shows me that change comes from sacrifice, courage and believing in people even when it's hard. I carry his dream in the way I choose to show up, speak out and keep going." - Davaughn Patterson
Volleyball
"MLK Day is important to me because it's a time to reflect on and celebrate Dr. King's efforts to create equality for all people in this country. His leadership and drive inspire me, as he fought hard for what he believed in to make a positive change, especially for African-Americans. His impact reminds us that we should have the courage to stand up for what's right, even through adversity." - Sanaa Williams
Women's Soccer
"MLK Day is a time to reflect on all of the progress that we've made in promoting civil rights in this nation, while also continuing to uphold those values of equality and justice, both on the field and in our everyday lives. It serves as a reminder that the diversity of our student and athletics body here at Wake wouldn't be possible without the work done by Martin Luther King Jr. and similar figures in our history, and we must remain committed to carrying on that legacy today through serving our own communities and advocating for equity in our personal and professional spheres." - Sierra Sythe
Men's Soccer
"MLK Day is important to me because it serves as a reminder of the history and ongoing fight that allows me to be in spaces like Wake Forest today. As a Black student-athlete at a predominantly white, private institution, I recognize that the opportunities I have were not always accessible to people who look like me. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to justice, dignity and equality inspires me as a student-athlete to advocate for inclusion and respect, both on and off the field. His vision continues to stay with me as I navigate environments where progress has been made, but meaningful inclusion still requires effort.This day encourages the reflection on how far we've come and reminds me of the responsibility we share to continue working toward true equality." - Nico Rabiu
Women's Basketball
"Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy reminds me that using your voice matters, especially when it would be easier to stay silent. He showed what it means to lead by example, inspiring me to stand up for others and try to make a positive difference in my own community." - Milan Brown
Football
"Martin Luther King Jr. Day is special to me because it is a great reminder to always fight for what is right. It is always a day that I can reflect on everyday struggles and give thanks to the foundation he built for me and my peers." - Langston Hardy
"Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a reminder to me that my education carries a purpose beyond myself. It pushes me to learn with intention and to stand for something bigger than comfort or fear. His life shows me that change comes from sacrifice, courage and believing in people even when it's hard. I carry his dream in the way I choose to show up, speak out and keep going." - Davaughn Patterson
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