Justice, equality, peace: Mansfield City Schools celebrates MLK Day

MANSFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. would have celebrated his 95th birthday on Monday.

Mansfield City Schools commemorated the late civil rights leader with tributes from staff, students and alumni during the fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day program.

The event highlighted King’s vision and legacy, as well as the artistic and oratory talents of students throughout Mansfield.

Sophomore Nick Henderson played JVKE’s “Golden Hour” on saxophone. Senior Josiah Kumai-Sanders performed an original recitation.  

Younger students shared artwork and read speeches inspired by King, many via video recording.

Third grader Derrick Foster performed an ode to King live on stage.

“Dr. King changed the world for many boys and girls that look like me,” Foster said. “Because of him, I have the chance to create change and be engaged.”

Monday’s program also featured performances from the F.I.E.L.D. and the Jesus Jewels Praise Dancers from Shiloh Baptist Church, both under the direction of Enisia Lee. Alyesha Jones, a student from the Ohio State University at Mansfield, performed an interpretive dance. 

Colin Henley, a 2016 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, played a piece by Florence Price on viola.

Price was the first Black woman to have a composition performed by a major orchestra and to be critically recognized as a symphonic composer.

“I had the opportunity to see Dr. King on two occasions when he came to Mansfield,” said school board member Gary Feagin.

“I really, truly believe that had he had the opportunity to see the current Mansfield Senior High School that it would be a part of his dream — that we come together regardless of color, regardless of economic background.”

Living like King: a call to service

Adonis Bolden, the principal of Marion Harding High School and 1997 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, gave a keynote address.

Bolden spoke about his hometown pride and experiences growing up in Mansfield, highlighting the educators and school personnel who had a profound impact on him. 

He also challenged the crowd to focus on unifying the community. Borrowing from a 1990s slogan in the district, he urged Mansfield residents to “restore the roar.”

“We must tap into the energy, the fervor and the desire to make Mansfield the center of our lives again,” he said.

“We must continue to hold one another accountable, continue to be champions of education and continue to show unconditional love to one another as we trudge along on our journey.”

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’

Martin Luther King Jr.

Supt. Stan Jefferson invited community members to honor King’s legacy by serving others.

“Let us remember Dr. King’s dream of a united community where every voice is heard and every dream is valued,” Jefferson said.

“With each step we take, let us march towards a future that echoes with the ideals of justice, of equality and peace — a future that Dr. King dreamt of.”

The leader of Mansfield City Schools said he’s also looking for ways that the district can serve Mansfield.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Perry, city council and our board of education and looking at ways that we can enhance the city,” he said.

To learn more about volunteering or otherwise supporting the Mansfield City Schools, contact a building principal or Jefferson’s office at 419-525-6415.

“All they have to do is contact my office and we will make sure that we put them to work,” Jefferson said.