On Tuesday, Jan. 21, KO’s very own Black Student Union hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, marking the first year that this annual event was student-led.
This year, BSU leaders junior Riley Anderson and seniors Joella Asapokhai and Zaire Ramiz wanted to partner with the DEIB team in order to promote equality from within our walls at a student-focused level.
The all-school assembly began with a performance from Cantabile, the Middle School choir, as they sang “The Storm Is Passing Over.” Following that, freshman Donovan Thomas and sophomore Alex Ndiaye introduced the legacy of Dr. King and dove into a brief biography of Dr. King’s life and work.
Touching on some lesser-known facts about Dr. King as well as some more commonly-known ones, the boys were able to captivate the audience and explore King’s impact. “While King may have passed away, his legacy, including his ideas, beliefs, bravery, and relentlessness still lives with us in this very room,” Alex said.
Alex then addressed the crowd sitting in Roberts Theater. “Notice how there are people of many backgrounds,” he said. “None of this unity would have been possible if not, in part, for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
What followed was a video written and directed by Zaire, which included a number of personal student reflections revealing what the special day means to them; students also discussed how we as KO students can appreciate and apply Dr. King’s teachings in our everyday lives.
The assembly also featured student speakers, such as junior Lia Prahl, who discussed Dr. King’s impact on her. “Dr. King called us all to be mindful and critical thinkers, to formulate opinions based on truth and observation,” she said, “to listen to the cries of people everywhere, and dare not just to dream, but to act on those dreams.”
There was plenty of Middle School representation as well. Eighth-grader Gabe Chapman took the podium to share his perspective. “As a half-African American 13-year-old in 2025, I’ve had 13 years of protection and safety,” he said, contrasting his experience to those of African Americans in years past.
Many of Dr. King’s core values center around leadership and treating everyone the way you would like to be treated. This motto is a foundation of Middle School culture, and one that can be seen throughout the walls of the Estes building in various pieces of artwork.
Eighth-grader Ryan Lingashi also spoke. “Dr. King Jr. once said, ‘I came to a conclusion that there’s an accidental moment in your life, and you must decide to speak for yourself,’” he said. “‘Nobody else can speak for you.’ This quote speaks to how when we see a problem, we need to do something. Don’t just sit there and watch.”
Finally, Middle School math teacher Tylon Smith ’12 rounded out the reflections with a heartfelt story about his own time on campus and how it shaped him to be the leader and man he is today.
“ The legacy you leave here will impact those that come after you, so how will you be remembered?” Mr. Smith asked. “I will leave you all with this quote by Dr. King: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’”
A house competition revolving around MLK trivia led by BSU members senior Justice Hanna and juniors Cam Thomas, DJ Biggins, and Justin Morle rounded out the MLK Day assembly.
