Our annual Dr. King Day of Reflection for students took place yesterday. Using the theme Dialogues on Freedom, our students and faculty engaged in workshops and activities focused on First Amendment freedoms. After introductory activities in which Lower School students learned about the First Amendment and Upper School students gathered in advisory groups to discuss the value of reflection and dialogue, St. Albans and NCS gathered in the Cathedral for a joint service, where Canon Missioner the Rev. Dr. Leonard Hamlin spoke. Rev. Leonard illustrated the importance of asking questions and of following through on your dreams with actions, as Dr. King famously lived out. He offered that the simple but eloquent principle that Dr. King lived out is still critical today - "Leave everything better than you found it."

 

In the Lower School, C Form students took a field trip to the Dr. King Memorial, and Forms B through Form II engaged in workshops discussing examples of First Amendment freedoms in action. Journalists Jim Sciutto and Gloria Riviera served as keynote speakers for the Lower School. They spoke on the modern challenges facing journalists and information-consumers in the era of misinformation, "deep fakes", and unreliable sources. In the Upper School, students participated in a rotation of informative workshops led by guest speakers, teachers, and fellow students. With topics ranging from free speech on social media, the role of the Washington National Cathedral in religious expression, and the precedent set by the release of the Pentagon Papers, it was an engaging morning. Following the morning workshops, students had the opportunity to become the teacher — leading "crash courses" for their fellow classmates on topics including "Women's Rights in Iran", "History of Protests", and "The FBI and Black Activism." To close the day, Upper School students heard from Mr. Mushtaq Gunja, STA parent and adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, on the impact of the First Amendment in schools. Thanks to all who had a hand in organizing a day filled of civic engagement, education, and history.

See more images from MLK Reflection Day below: