Westmont Takes a Multimedia Look at MLK

Westmont will connect the past to the present with a free multimedia presentation about the civil rights movement Wednesday, Jan. 16, through Friday, Jan. 18, in Monroe Dining Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. “From Past to Present: A Civil Rights Walk Through in Honor of Martin Luther King Day” will feature posters, writings, artwork, speeches and a continuously running film, “Eyes on the Prize.”

“For many of us who are part of the post Civil Rights era, the people and places seem far in the past and lacking in significance for today,” says Elena Yee, director of intercultural programs which is sponsoring the event. “This is an opportunity to review and reflect upon the dramatic events, pivotal decisions, sacrifices of ordinary people, and everyday commitments that citizens made in the name of justice, freedom, equity and access for all.”

Yee says the exhibit allows viewers to discover other players in the movement along with MLK and Rosa Parks to see the movement’s impact on current events.

“It is through redeeming our past that we can have purpose in our present and leading us to a more sure hope for our future,” Yee says.

Westmont students, faculty and staff will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Jan. 21, in honor of the slain civil rights leader.