Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to remember the life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., a key figure in the US civil rights movement whose work challenged racial injustice and called for equality, dignity, and nonviolent change. More than a day of remembrance, it is often described as a day of reflection and action - an opportunity to consider how his values apply in our own communities today.

We came together for a fireside chat organised by our Student President Omowaleola, to reflect on the life, work, and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. We reflected on the history behind this great man, with the conversation inviting us to think about what his ideas mean for us today as a community of students. We began with an introduction from Professor Khadija Mohammed, following by an inspiring spoken word performance by Michael Ogah, and then the fireside chat itself with Professor Iain Houston, Professor Robert Macintosh, student Mfreke-Obong Ukpong and our Student President Omowaleola Adebayo.

Through open discussion and thoughtful contributions from our speakers and attendees, we explored themes of justice, courage, and collective responsibility. Dr King’s words reminded us that social change is not driven by a few extraordinary moments, but by everyday choices: speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, listening when perspectives differ from our own, and standing alongside others in pursuit of fairness and dignity.

The relaxed, informal setting created space for honest reflection and meaningful questions, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in building understanding. It was encouraging to see so many students engaging with these ideas and considering how they might carry them forward in their own lives.

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped create a respectful and thoughtful space. Conversations like this remind us that the work Dr King championed is ongoing - and that we all have a role to play.