In the wake of unprecedented unrest in the fight for racial justice, this year’s celebration of the life and legacy Martin Luther King Jr. took on a distinct relevance and significance.
Several teachers at both the Upper and Lower campuses of Ojai Valley School prepared presentations to raise awareness for the day of remembrance. OVS AP Psychology teacher and dorm counselor Carmen Doane-Barkan spoke movingly of the life and times of Dr. King at Monday’s all-school meeting.
“What I want to share is the importance of acknowledging not only the legacy of MLK and of the civil rights movement but also the historical context of it,” she said. “The wins from his work and the work of the people of the Civil Rights Movement have come from a very long struggle of two steps forward, one step back.”
Mrs. Doane-Barkan broke down the meaning of the name, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in her speech. He was a reverend, a leader, a man, a king, and a son.
“His name says everything you need to know about him,” she said.
Each one of us has the ability to stand up for justice, Mrs. Doane-Barkan said.
“This is our work, in order for us to move forward, we have to face the places within ourselves where we feel called to violence and reckon that,” Mrs. Doane-Barkan said.
Lower campus history teacher John Rowan led his middle school students through this year’s remembrance of MLK. While the students pushed through final exams week, Mr. Rowan strove to ensure that MLK day did not go unnoticed.
“What I love about MLK is that he talks about fairness, integrity, and nonviolence,” Mr. Rowan said. “Many of his quotes are perfect for the kids.”
Mr. Rowan has created a video and shared it with the OVS community. The students and staff read quotes by Martin Luther King and explained what each quote meant to them.
“The cadence of these quotes is beautiful,” Mr. Rowan remarked.
Many quotes were read by maintenance or kitchen staff, and some were read in Spanish. The quotes are short and simple, such as “only in darkness can you see the stars.”
“Our character theme of the month is integrity,” Mr. Rowan said. “Which is no mistake that it’s during the month of MLK.”