(Poster created by Mr. Jeremy Morgan. Photos: Henry R.)

The UCA (United Columbus Academy) organization for diversity and affinity groups hosted various in-school, educational activities for upper school students on Friday, January 14, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday (January 15, 1929) we celebrate on MLK Day, January 17. Activities included exploring rap music and its role in liberation during the civil rights era as well as learning about Historically Black Colleges and Universities. While the chance to participate in many of these activities was limited to an hour, students can still visit the City of Hope through February 28th. 

Featured on  the back walls of Morris Hall’s art gallery are displays of  the City of Hope, an informative exhibit featuring 18 posters assembled by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and assisted by the National Museum of African American history and Culture. Yassah T. and  Rosie G. worked with Mr. Mena to allow students to take a deep dive into Resurrection City and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ralph David Abernathy. 

The Poor People’s Campaign was a six-week demonstration at the nation’s capital where protestors demanded social reform in response to the glaring poverty and human rights issues in America. The rotestors housed themselves in Resurrection City, a makeshift city that stretched from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument having wooden  tent-like structures that provided medical care, childcare, and communication services. The campaign improved economic equality for low-income families and set precedents for future social justice movements. 

While students often learn about the general history of Martin Luther King, Jr. in their class curriculum, the City of Hope highlights specific actions Dr. King accomplished for African Americans and all races, regions, and ethnic groups throughout the nation. 

City of Hope: Morris Art Gallery, Second Floor