Dr. Kevin Witherspoon, professor of history and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Endowed Chair, spoke during a special program, “Reflections on Martin Luther King, Jr.” at Lander University’s Abney Cultural Center Auditorium on Tuesday evening (January 16).
Witherspoon highlighted major milestones of the Civil Rights Movement spanning from 1955 until King’s death in 1968. Amidst the violent and tumultuous events of those times, King’s message was always one of non-violence. The program highlighted King’s unwavering commitment to peace while calling for the pursuit of equality and justice during a pivotal era in history. Witherspoon’s presentation was followed by a showing of a film chronicling the life and struggles of Chicago civil rights leader Fred Hampton.