Over 250 attendees listened to a panel of speakers during Kent State’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which focused on Dr. King’s principles of living a life of love and peace during conflict.

The panel discussion, moderated by Daniel Diaz Nilsson, assistant dean for access and engagement in the College of Education, Health and Human Services, featured questions about using Dr. King’s principles in navigating current global and national conflicts.

Jacquelyn Bleak, associate lecturer in the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, spoke on how peaceful protesting will bring together people of like minds and missions without fear of violence.

Dominique Hill, Ed.D., assistant dean of students for Recreation and Wellness Services, spoke on how to find ways to counter injustices through daily interactions.

Elizabeth Smith-Pryor, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of History discussed how King spoke on national topics when necessary.

Prior to the panel, Kent State President Dr. Todd Diacon urged the campus community to practice empathy and continue the practice of kindness and respect, core values of the university.

Prior to Diacon’s speech, Dr. Amoaba Gooden, vice president for people, culture and belonging, shared a quote from King, providing hope for tomorrow:

“I must confess, my friends, that the road ahead will not always be smooth … But difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.”

Cadie Pierce is a photographer. Contact her at [email protected].