Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with its second annual keynote address honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy. The event, held on campus, featured actress and humanitarian Monique Coleman as the keynote speaker.
Coleman addressed several hundred attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and community members. She spoke about how Dr. King’s work has served as a practical guide for her own advocacy efforts. “I’ve never seen Dr. King as someone to simply quote or admire from a distance. I’ve always understood his work as a blueprint for how to live and advocate for humanity in real, practical ways,” Coleman said. “When I traveled the world as the first-ever United Nations Youth Champion, his words guided me, especially the idea that ‘everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.’ Across cultures and communities, I saw how service rooted in dignity and compassion creates meaningful change. Dr. King’s legacy isn’t something we honor once a year. It’s something we practice every day.”
The program began with a unity step presentation by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., performed in tribute to Dr. King.
Following this presentation was a conversation between Coleman and GGC student Avanti Moore about what lessons should be carried forward from Dr. King’s message. In response to Moore’s question about what she hoped the campus would take away from the event, Coleman said: “I encourage the GGC community to find one way, large or small, to live out his message. That might look like serving your community, standing up for someone who feels unseen, or questioning systems that no longer serve us,” she said. “You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Dr. King asked us to be brave, consistent, and compassionate, and to remember that meaningful change is built through everyday choices.”
Several students shared their reflections on attending the event for the first time or returning after last year’s program.
Phillip Rivera, a senior majoring in cinema and media arts production at GGC said: “This is my first time attending and I was curious about what she would say,” he said. “Martin Luther King Jr. made such an impact on civil rights and a cultural impact.”
Shayna Bolen—a sophomore studying education—spoke about her personal connection with King’s iconic speech: “The ‘I Have a Dream’ speech has a special place in my heart. It’s okay for me to be myself,” she said. “I like gaining new knowledge, learning new things and hearing different viewpoints.”
Chian Dorsey—a senior psychology major—returned after attending last year: “I came last year and it was inspiring,” she said. “I wanted to see Monique (Coleman). I liked how she talked about advocacy and also your mental health.”
JP Peters—assistant director for student outreach and service at GGC—summed up the purpose of the gathering: “Monique’s message not only honored Dr. King’s call to service, but she also inspired the GGC community to continue showing up, lead with empathy and turn hope into action,” he said.
