Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023 at Tabor Academy

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 16, 2023, Tabor Academy observed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with campus-wide programming. This year, Tabor’s Student Diversity Board worked to organize impactful events centered around the theme, “My journey, my story.”

Students met with their advisory groups in the morning and travelled with them throughout the day. Like any traditional Monday at the School by the Sea, the day officially began with an all-school gathering in Chapel. At Chapel, readings were given by members of the Student Diversity Board and by Associate Head of School Tyrone Black. By sharing his own experience as a Black man, Dr. Black highlighted how people don’t often share their whole selves and their whole stories with those around them. This message was meant as encouragement, for those participating in MLK Day programming, to create connection through vulnerability and authenticity. Chapel ended with performances by the newly formed Tabor Celebration Gospel Choir, comprised of students, faculty, and staff in honor of Dr. King.

After Chapel, there were several sessions for the community to attend. Following the day’s theme, participants were encouraged to imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes to better understand stories different than their own. In the Stone Gym, Dr. Black hosted Weights of Reality trainings. In Chapel, Treda Collier Dickenman led discussions about how a place can shape your identity. In Hoyt, Craig Robinson ’91, trustee and chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Committee, had groups work together to define “belonging.” In Lyndon South, Robbin Jackson told a powerful story about overcoming and finding strength in adversity. To end the day, Kojo Bey and Sounds of Afrika gave an exciting and engaging performance. Except for a few moments of mindful silence, the auditorium was filled with music, dancing, and cheering. Read more about the speakers here.

The following day, January 17, 2023, advisories reconvened to reflect on each individual session and the important conversations they sparked.

Tabor Academy would like to applaud the Student Diversity Board for their leadership and work to make these events possible:

• Emily Tanaka ’23, Asian Student Coalition
• Eldana Zhakypbaeva ’23, Asian Student Coalition
• Taylor Darby ’24, Black Student Union
• Sam Nuamah ’23, Black Student Union
• Eden Alberich ’24, Gender Sexuality Alliance
• Marin Theis ’23, Gender Sexuality Alliance
• Shanna Yuan ’23, Global Club
• Erika Goji ’23, Global Club
• Jenny Aikman ’24, Jewish Student Union
• Ellie Martone ’24, Jewish Student Union
• Isabella Garces ’23, LatinX Group

Enjoy the below recording from the Gospel Choir's rehearsal for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.