Since 1999, Hamline has honored the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through a commemorative event. This year’s theme, “The American Dream: King’s 1965 Call for Justice,” examined the unfinished work of justice and equality through the lens of Dr. King’s 1965 sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, often mistaken for his more widely cited 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at the March on Washington.
Kareem Watts, director of “Hamline’s” Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Programs and Initiatives, opened the program by reading his blackout poem titled “The Reality,” which he created using the opening pages of Dr. King’s 1965 sermon. A blackout poem is a form of “found” poetry that transforms an existing text by removing words until a new, creative poem emerges.
“Dr. King reflected on how the dream that he once proclaimed had, for many, become a nightmare, challenging the comfort of the more sanitized versions of his legacy,” Watts said.
Held Jan. 22, 2026, in Sundin Music Hall, the program featured remarks by President Mayme Hostetter, a keynote address by Dr. Abdul Omari, a call-and-response reading led by Justin Antwi, ’26 political science major, African cultural dance by AfroContigbo, and musical performances by Sherri Orr. The evening concluded with the presentation of the Beloved Community Awards and a sending forth offered by Rabbi Esther Adler.
An enduring message
The event invited attendees to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality and shared responsibility, encouraging participants to consider how differences shape daily life and how collective action can move communities closer to equity.
President Hostetter invited attendees to consider the relevance of Dr. King’s 1965 message in today’s social and political climate, emphasizing the responsibility of community during moments of division and uncertainty.
“When times are as hot and polarized and as violent as they were in 1965, Dr. King reminds us that we are part of an inescapable network of mutuality, an interrelated ‘us,’” Hostetter said.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Abdul Omari, founder of AMO Enterprise and a nationally recognized educator, speaker and community leader, expanded on the urgency of Dr. King’s message by connecting the American dream to present-day realities of racial and economic inequality.
Drawing from personal experience and insight, Omari challenged the audience to confront the gap between national ideals and lived realities.
“The American dream is not dead,” Omari said. “It’s unfinished and our job is to help complete it.”
Artistry and accolades
Throughout the program, reflection was interwoven with artistic expression. A call-and-response reading led by Justin Antwi invited audience participation, while performances by AfroContigbo and vocalist Sherri Orr brought energy and inspiration.
The program concluded with the presentation of the Beloved Community Awards. These awards recognize individuals whose work reflects the values of Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate those who demonstrate leadership, service and commitment. Seven members of the Hamline University community were honored: Isaac Garcia, Elisa Lopez, Molly Doran, Lynette Wahl, Jermaine Singleton, Maggie Struck and Rebecca Neal.
Rabbi Adler offered a closing blessing rooted in the Hebrew scriptures that inspired Dr. King, calling on attendees to carry forward the work of justice and care for each other.
“May we bring the light of justice to our community, our state and our country,” Adler said.