Assistant Head of School for Community, Inclusion, and Equity Michael Molina welcomed students, faculty, and staff into the Finney Athletic Center on Thursday, January 11 for the MLK Convocation. Tyler Marshall ’25 gave the invocation, followed by the String Ensemble’s rendition of “Amazing Grace,” led by Director of Music Ariel Dechosa.

Head of School Henry P. A. Smyth gave opening remarks, sharing about his recent trip to Montgomery, Alabama. He visited the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum, two places he said “capture how our country has tried to right its wrongs.” Borrowing a theme from a quote of Dr. King’s, Smyth said, “Let’s see the light in each other, and when we find places of darkness, give them light.” He went on, “When we do that, we honor Dr. King’s efforts, and we make the world a better place.”

Music Director Robby Ford led a collection of voices across divisions in a musical mashup, followed by the Jazz Band, led by the group’s director, Cheryl Nkeba.

Chase Hurley ’25 introduced keynote speaker Maryland State Delegate and former Gilman Trustee Malcolm P. Ruff ’02, who began, “It’s great to be home.” He reminisced about the 12 MLK Convocations he attended during his time as a student at Gilman. He admitted to not being able to remember a single keynote speaker and humbly recognized that the students listening to him speak may not remember his name in 20 years. “But I hope that the spirit of what we talk about today remains with each and every one of you because the man that we are celebrating today changed the entire world.”

Ruff highlighted Dr. King’s many achievements throughout his life, focusing on his efforts to fight for a “truly united America,” including economic and housing equality, equal access to quality education, and the prioritization of government resources. Ruff encouraged the students to “listen to [Dr. King’s] teachings and go deeper into his accomplishments.”

The convocation ended with a performance by the vocal groups of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

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