Members of the Adanfo African drumming ensemble perform during the MLK Celebration.
University Marks 41st Annual MLK Celebration in Virtual Format
A January snowstorm may have forced the cancellation of an in-person event but did little to dampen the spirit of Syracuse University’s 41st Annual .
Organized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee and hosted by Syracuse Athletics digital reporter and alumnus Sean Dorcellus 鈥21, the virtual program brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members from across Central New York and from wherever else they happened to be watching.
This year’s theme, “The Dream Lives Here,” served as both a declaration and a challenge. Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, interim dean of , who opened the program, framed it as a living call to action. “We hope this program leaves you feeling inspired, feeling hopeful and feeling the urgency of Dr. King’s dream,” she said, “not as a distant memory, but as a living call to action right here in our community.”
Chancellor Kent Syverud noted the form of the gathering was changed but not its purpose. 鈥淭his celebration brings together champions of justice from across Central New York. Your participation and your commitment to serving our community carries forward Dr. King’s vision of a more just society. These ideals align with Syracuse University’s commitment to making our community a more welcoming place to all,鈥 Chancellor Syverud said. 鈥淲e encourage our talented students, our faculty, our staff, to volunteer their time, their energy and their expertise beyond the borders of our campus. When they do, amazing things happen.鈥
He recognized keynote speaker Mayor Sharon Owens 鈥85, a former standout on the track and field team, as a living embodiment of that purpose. Elected with 73.8% of the vote, Owens became the 55th mayor of Syracuse, this year, making history in the city she has called home for more than four decades.
In her keynote address, Mayor Owens reflected on the through-line connecting Dr. King’s legacy to today. Recalling the recent death of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a King prot茅g茅, she described how those who came before her instilled in her a drive to serve. “The dream exists,” she said, “and it is multifaceted鈥攁cross all generations, across all races.”
The celebration also featured the presentation of 2026 Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing those who make a lasting difference without seeking applause. This year鈥檚 honorees were Jamie Sterling 鈥26, Eman Tadros, Pass Da R.O.C.K. and Bettie Graham.
Performances throughout the program gave the celebration its heartbeat. The Hendricks Chapel Choir, Community Choir and Black Celestial Choral Ensemble lifted their voices in song and praise. The Delta Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the same organization King proudly belonged to, offered a powerful tribute accompanied by audio excerpts from King鈥檚 1965 visit to campus. Adanfo, the University’s African drumming and dance ensemble, and Creations Dance Company, founded on campus in 1977, rounded out the program with vibrant performances rooted in culture and community.
