On Tuesday, January 19 the Dana Hall community honored the life and goals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly in Waldo Auditorium

The student group S.H.A.D.E.S. (Sisters Honoring All Diasporas and Enlightening Society) ran the assembly, themed “progress towards perfection.” S.H.A.D.E.S. co-heads A. Onatunde ’11 and I. Samms ’10 spoke about how Dr. King encouraged others to send positive messages of equality in non-violent ways. “Dr. King knew that from bloodshed and destruction only comes grief,” said Samms.

Five students danced to the song “A Dream” by Common as photos of Dr. King were projected behind them. The song includes portions of Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. Two students shared slam poetry they wrote about Dr. King’s dedication, and how he has inspired them.

Members of S.H.A.D.E.S. showed a slide show of historic events and figures from 1950-1979. Milestones included Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott, the March on Washington and the assassination of Dr. King. The audience was then taken through notable events from 1979-2010, which included the legalization of gay marriage in six states and Sonia Sotomayor becoming the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice.

Prior to the assembly, faculty and staff were asked how they think society has progressed because of Dr. King, and what we need to work on for equality. Answers were posted on a screen while students read the responses aloud. Members of the Middle School S.H.A.D.E.S. group shared what their dreams for the world are. The assembly had a powerful ending with the Dana Hall Gospel Choir performing a song entitled “Encourage Yourself.”