Watch the Governor's message to Kansans celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Topeka – More than 300 people joined Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and the Kansas African American Affairs Commission Director Mildred Edwards in the Governor’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Thursday, January 12th. The celebration began with a ceremonial march through the halls of Topeka High School led by the Topeka High School Drumline. The march led to the auditorium for the ceremony. During the ceremony, Governor Brownback signed a proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.
“Dr. King once said: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.’ I ask you to remember that message when you reflect on Dr. King’s legacy,” said Governor Brownback. “Although acrimony and discord seem to attract headlines, our nation of 300 million individual Americans finds a way to live and to work together. Out of many, we are one, and that is part of Dr. King’s enormous legacy.”
Dr. Derrick Darby delivered the keynote address for the ceremony. Dr. Darby is a professor at University of Kansas and University of Kansas School of Law. Born in Bronx, New York, and raised in Queensbridge Housing Projects, he attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Manhattan before graduating from Colgate University with a B.A. in Philosophy and receiving his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Darby was awarded a University Scholarly Achievement Award in 2011 and has lectured widely in the U.S. and abroad on topics related to his research.
“I’m honored and privileged to make this yearly tribute to Dr. King. Reflecting on his life and legacy reminds us where America has come from, and helps us to understand who we are now. His enduring messages of non-violence, compassion and peace help guide us as we continually seek to create a more perfect union,” said Governor Brownback.
Other participants in the ceremony included Mildred Edwards, Ph.D., KAAAC Executive Director; Darlene Colbert, Antioch Baptist Church; The Reverend George White, First Presbyterian Church; State Senator David Haley and Dr. Tony Stanley, Harvest Church West Branch