Princeton University’s Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 17, 2011

MUSICAL SELECTIONSOne Voice

OPENING REMARKSShirley M. Tilghman

President

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSTerri Harris Reed

Vice Provost for Institutional Equity

INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTEDanielle Pingue

Class of 2013

KEYNOTE ADDRESSVan Jones

Visiting Lecturer, Center for African American Studies, Princeton University

“The well-off and the secure have too often become indifferent and oblivious to the poverty and deprivation in their midst.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Prize lecture, 1964

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Assistant Dean of the Chapel Carl Reimers and chapel deacons on the steps of Chancellor Green in 1960.

JOURNEY AWARD PRESENTATIONShirley M. Tilghman

STUDENT AWARDS PRESENTATION Lauren Ugorji

Assistant Vice President, Communications

CLOSINGTerri Harris Reed

MUSICAL SELECTIONSOne Voice

PROGRAM1

Van Jones, Visiting Lecturer, Center for African American Studies, Princeton University

Van Jones is a globally-recognized, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean-energy economy. His book on green jobs, The Green Collar Economy, was a New York Times bestseller in 2008.

Van was the main advocate for the Green Jobs Act, a part of the 2007 energy bill signed into law by George W. Bush. Under the Obama Administration, that Act has resulted in $500 million for green-job training programs across America.

In 2005, Van helped to produce the United Nations’ “Green Cities” summit for World Environment Day. In 2009, TIME Magazine named Van one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Other honors include selection as a World Economic Forum “Young Global Leader” and the 1998 Reebok International “Human

Rights Award” recipient.

Jones has co-founded three non-profit organizations: the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Color of Change, and Green For All.

As a special advisor in the Obama White House, Van helped design the Administration’s policies for making America’s homes more energy efficient. He is one of America’s foremost visionaries - a champion for equal opportunity and environmental solutions.

A husband and father, he is a 1993 graduate of the Yale Law School.

One Voice is the collaborative choir of the Trenton Children’s Chorus and the Westminster Conservatory Children’s Choir. The Trenton Children’s Chorus has performed at the National Cathedral, with Bobby McFerrin and Dave Brubeck and for both Governor Corzine and Governor

Christie. The Westminster Conservatory Children’s Choir has performed three times at the White House, at the National Cathedral and has recorded for ETS and Silver Burdett. Together they have premiered a new work “Stand Tall Children” by Francisco Nunez, and have performed for a U.N. sponsored event. Both choirs are conducted by Patricia Thel.

Rochelle Ellis has performed with the Houston Symphony conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, the Indianapolis Symphony conducted by Raymond Leppard and the Oregon Symphony conducted by James DePriest. She has sung

One Voice

PROGRAM2

with the Trenton Children’s Chorus in a premiere work, “Hold Fast to Dreams” by the jazz legend Dave Brubeck. Her Carnegie Hall debut was as soloist with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She is on the voice faculty at Westminster Choir College.

The Journey Award

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful advocate for human rights who became one of the most noted African Americans in history. Yet even King acknowledged that his work represented the continuation of a journey started by others before him, including some of his personal mentors and heroes such as Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Jesus Christ, A. Philip Randolph, and Mahatma Gandhi. King also predicted that the journey would not end with his own death. He often warned that this journey was not an easy path, but a courageous one. In his 1967 address, “Where Do We Go From Here?” King said: “I must confess, my friends, the road ahead will not always be smooth.

There will be still rocky places of frustration and meandering points of bewilderment. There will be inevitable setbacks here and there. There will be those moments when the buoyancy of hope will be transformed into the fatigue of despair. Our dreams will sometimes be shattered and our ethereal hopes blasted. … Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.” And so, the journey continues.

The MLK Day Journey Award has been created to recognize annually members of the Princeton University faculty, staff, or student body who best

Past Journey Award Recipients2010Janet Smith Dickerson, for Lifetime Service

2009William A. Massey, for Lifetime Service

2008John Templeton, for Lifetime ServiceAnna Almore, for Special Achievement

2007None Awarded

2006Albert J. Raboteau, for Lifetime Service

2005Robert K. Durkee, for Lifetime ServiceDylan H. Tatz, for Special AchievementLifetime Service Award recipients receive

a commemorative plaque (above) and an engraved wristwatch (right) that features concepts including: love, truth, risk, vision, dedication, strength, dignity, hope, justice, faith, courage, and community.

represent the continued journey to achieve King’s vision. Awardees have demonstrated that they support King’s philosophy and teachings and that they have actively contributed to the improvement of civil rights and/or human rights, particularly in manners that have positively affected the Princeton University community.

President Shirley M. Tilghman and the MLK Day Celebration Organizers are pleased to honor this year’s award recipients, Thomas Parker and Josue Lajeunesse, and are grateful for their continued efforts.

JOURNEY AWARD3

Thomas A. ParkerJourney Award for Lifetime Service

“He has chosen to make the problems of others his problem. And he, like Martin Luther King, Jr., has inspired so many of us with the power of what one committed man can do.” Josue Lajeunesse has worked at Princeton for 15 years but his commitment to helping others spans a lifetime.

A native of Haiti, Lajeunesse, the youngest of five children, came to the United States in 1989. Though he left his homeland some 22 years ago, he carries concern for living conditions in his village with him every day.

Lajeunesse has worked tirelessly here at Princeton as well as running a small taxi service to help fund a clean water project in Haiti. Working along with his brother, Lajeunesse managed to create a system of piping water over long distances to remote regions of Haiti. His work and longstanding commitment was highlighted in the 2009 documentary “The Philosopher Kings”, a film which provides a glimpse into the lives of janitors at universities across the country and showcases

the wisdom, courage and commitment that can be found in seemingly unlikely places.

The significance of Lajeunesse’s journey to bring the clean water project to life will be highlighted in another film focusing specifically his efforts. Never seeking attention or praise for his efforts, Lajeunesse is undertaking a new project to create a health clinic in the remote area of Lasource and he hopes to raise funds to build solar panels and purchase computers for the local school.

A dedicated father of five, Lajeunesse resides in the Princeton area with his family and friends and never hesitates to lend a hand to help.

JOURNEY AWARD4

Josue LajeunesseJourney Award for Special Achievement

A lifetime of service to the community hardly seems an apt way to describe all that Thomas “Tommy” A. Parker has done to enrich the lives of those in the Princeton community. A lifelong resident of Princeton, Parker has been an unintended bridge between town and gown. With more than 30 years of service to the University, Parker has been a key partner to administration and

staff alike in his role as president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

A visionary advocate for others, Parker co-founded the SEIU Summer Transfer Program, a program designed to create developmental and career advancement opportunities for service employees. Always keeping an eye on the needs of the community, Parker also co-founded the Committed Princetonians, a youth program for boys age 12 to 18 which offers mentoring, support services and tutoring as an alternative to gangs.

In his spare time, Parker coaches baseball and football. He has served as Human Services Commissioner for Princeton, facilitated the Study Circles

on Race Relations, Police and Community Relations as well as the Dialogue on Minority Achievement Gap. He is the past president of the Joint Commission on Civil Rights in Princeton and past chair of the Civil Rights Committee.

Describing his life as “a happy journey of love and service”, Parker is a proud husband and father of 6. Affectionately referred to as “Dr. Parker”, he is described by colleagues as, “having a unique and innate sense of fairness and humanity that is unfortunately so rare in people today but that is truly inspiring to those who he meets…the University and community have been truly blessed to have had Tommy as part of its family for so many years.”

Hundreds of New Jersey students helped commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by submitting original writings, artwork, and videos. For 2011 we asked students to demonstrate how journalistic mediums (such as newspaper/web articles, blogs, op-ed pieces, television (network or cable), video or radio segments, or other news sources) might raise awareness, encourage civic engagement. and transform the consequences of social policies and practices for all American citizens. In the spirit of Dr. King’s general concern for humanity and his particular commitment to the poor and oppressed, students created a journalistic piece designed to inform, involve and/or motivate everyday citizens on a social, financial, or political topic related to the environmental impact of Hurricane Katrina or the Deepwater Horizon (BP) oil spill on the Gulf Coast region.

First Prize Iman Khan, grade 8, William Allen Middle School, Moorestown Second Prize Danny Eisgruber, grade 7, John Witherspoon Middle School, Princeton Second Prize Faelen Paladino, grade 7, Stuart Country Day School, Princeton Honorable Mention Hayley Filippini, grade 7, Readington Middle School, Whitehouse Station

First Prize Taylor Filippini, grade 10, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington First Prize Devon Fitzgerald, grade 9, Stuart Country Day School, Princeton Third Prize Tasneem Maner, grade 10, Noor Ul Iman, Monmouth Junction

First Prize Carlie Fasanella, grade 12, Stuart Country Day School, Princeton Second Prize Brooke Ferenczy, grade 11, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington Third Prize Catherine Huber, grade 11, Stuart Country Day School, Princeton

VISUAL ARTS CONTEST

First Prize Robyn Carter, grade 6, Stuart Country Day School, Princeton Second Prize Brent Ferenczy, grade 4, Holland Brook School, Whitehouse Station Third Prize Millicent Brigaud, grade 4, The Waldorf School of Princeton, Princeton Honorable Mention Rachel Asir, grade 6, Stuart Country Day School, Princeton

Grades 4–6

LITERARY AND VIDEO CONTEST

Grades 7–8

Grades 9–10

Grades 11–12

WINNERS5

Second Prize Winner

Robyn Cartergrade 6 Stuart Country Day School, Princeton

First Prize Winner

Brent Ferenczygrade 4

Holland Brook School, Whitehouse Station

WINNERS6

Rachel Asirgrade 6

Stuart Country Day School, Princeton

Third Prize Winner

Honorable Mention

Millicent Brigaudgrade 4 The Waldorf School of Princeton, Princeton

WINNERS7

Grades 7–8IMAN KHANgrade 8, William Allen Middle School, MoorestownFirst Prize

Sometimes we can sympathize but we can never empathize. Hurricane Katrina has not only physically scarred the bodies of the people caught in the midst of it but also left their hearts and souls scarred due to the lapses in the responsibility and duty of our political leaders. Our job is to help these people and get to their aid immediately. Our government failed to get to their need….Our government failed to protect these people, as it is their civic duty. As citizens of the same community, we should be giving and more caring….When you are ungrateful at home for what you have, just think about what these people lost. When you throw away food, think about all those starving. When you are ungrateful about what your parents buy you, think about all the people that could be benefiting from that.

DANNY EISGRUBERgrade 7, John Witherspoon Middle School, PrincetonSecond Prize

After Hurricane Katrina, Congress made several promises to help the victims of the catastrophe. George W. Bush even made a trip to Jackson Square, New Orleans, where he promised to, “do what it takes” to help the region affected by the hurricane. Five years later, their promises have not yet been fulfilled….I believe instead of waiting for the government to help, we, as the people of America, should help the gulf ourselves. One may think my suggestion will not raise enough money to the cause. Although it will not raise the billions of dollars the government has at its disposal, if each man, woman and child in this country donates five dollars, we will raise over 1.5 billion dollars for the cause. Previous disasters that have occurred have benefited greatly from the donations of our charities…. In summary, the gulf needs our help. It has been affected both economically and environmentally by the oil spill. People are out of jobs and many species that live in the Gulf of Mexico are becoming endangered. In Hurricane Katrina, entire towns were destroyed, and many have not fully recovered. It may take Congress years to approve the current plan to help the region, as it has for the post-Katrina promises to be passed. I believe that it is time we, as the people of America, take action.

A sampling of literary and video excerpts follows:

FAELEN PALADINOgrade 7, Stuart Country Day School, PrincetonSecond Prize

The schools where thousands of the city’s students attended were left in ruins. Nothing was left for them to continue learning. They came back to demolished buildings and destroyed equipment. They had no place to learn and the government promised change. They promised that they would build back the buildings and reconstruct the school system that was in a very poor state even before Katrina. So in some ways the storm that created so much pain and tragedy could have brought new hope and a brighter future for education. On the ninety-first anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., that has not happened yet….We can still help those students in New Orleans and it can start today. First we must educate ourselves, and not let the unfortunate past affect our will to make things right. Next we must take a hard look at the tiers of the school system and organize it in a way that no longer will the non-charter public schools be left in the dust to fester and eventually fall apart. There is hope for New Orleans.

HAYLEY FILIPPINIgrade 7, Readington Middle School, Whitehouse StationHonorable Mention For her special report on The MLK Nightly News

The death of the turtles is just a drop in the bucket. Tourists used to come all the time looking at the wildlife down here – the birds the fish the turtles. And they don’t come anymore. Now, I used to get up in the morning looking and I’d look for turtle eggs and turtle nests and I haven’t been able to see any. They’re just all gone. The turtles just don’t want to go ashore anymore with all the gook that’s washed ashore and in the water there. Can’t someone do something about this mess?...Yes, the need is great and a few more volunteers would help immensely. The gulf coast habitat is extremely important for the conservation of the world’s population of turtles. All five species of sea turtles that live at least part of their lives on the Gulf Coast are either on the endangered or the threatened list.

WINNERS8

TASNEEM MANER grade 10, Noor Ul Iman, Monmouth JunctionThird Prize

Who has been hurt by the BP Oil spill? 1) Wildlife 2) Fisheries 3) Tourism 4) U.S. Government 5) Health of local residents. How can NJ help? We may live far, and the disaster is massive, but this should not stop us from lending a helping hand!

1) Donate money for wildlife: Organizations, like the National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Oil Spill Restoration Fund, accept donations. 2) Donate money for families: Organizations, like the Second Harvest Food Bank, lend support to families harmed by the BP Oil Spill. 3) Use the social media: Use all forms of social media (email, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to raise awareness and encourage others to help. 4) Donate needed items: Organizations, like Save Our Seabirds, Inc., have lists of items that they need to aid in the oil spill recovery.

Remember that every little bit of help has the power to make a huge difference!

Grades 9–10TAYLOR FILIPPINIgrade 10, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, FlemingtonFirst Prize For her video, Vulnerable

The hurricane and the oil spill are just two examples of disasters that have affected the gulf coast recently. Aftermath from these horrific events is unbearable for not only the environment and the animals but also for the people. Our brothers and sisters cannot be forgotten. Donate money or time to help the grief stricken people living in the gulf coast in their recovery. We understand that these are tough economic times and not everyone is in the position to donate but there are still things that you can do. Say a prayer for the victims or even write a letter to Congress demanding a ban on off shore drilling. Do whatever you can and find a way to make a difference. Our efforts will not take weeks or even months but instead years to help the affected communities even return to a shred of normalcy.

DEVON FITZGERALDgrade 9, Stuart Country Day School, PrincetonFirst Prize For her video, The BP Oil Spill

The oil spill has set off an awful ripple effect - causing sickness, unemployment, and a direct impact on people’s financial situations. Let alone the devastating effects on the environment and it all comes down to oil. This oil spill has taken so much away from the people of the gulf their jobs, their customers, their hobbies, even the natural beauty of their environment. So who is to blame for this mess; BP, the government, off-shore drilling? Why should we waste time pointing fingers? Martin Luther King once said, “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” Let’s live out this quote because nothing could be more true. You could say the oil spill took away everything from the people of the gulf, but it’s apparent it didn’t take away their hope.

WINNERS9

Grades 11–12CARLIE FASANELLAgrade 12, Stuart Country Day School, PrincetonFirst Prize

Despite how much or little we know about the BP oil spill, we, as a community, need to help. We can’t all travel to the Gulf of Mexico and give a helping hand, but we can all make a difference in our own special way. We can give monetary donations to organizations specializing in the cleanup and restoration, or we could send care packages to the families affected by the spill. In any way you choose to help, it makes a difference…. It is hard to help out when the task isn’t easy. But the animals and people of the Gulf need our help. Look inside yourself and bring out the compassion that was instilled within us. Use it to spread love and comfort to those affected by the spill. As much as I would like to, I can’t drag you to the Gulf and clean up the mess with me. What I am trying to do is inspire you. I want you to get up off the couch and help our country. But helping should not only be restricted to sending money to the environmental organizations. Extend your love and compassion and give it to a neighbor, friend, sister, brother, mother, father, teacher or any one in between.

BROOKE FERENCZY grade 11, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington Second Prize

The Gulf Coast needs the attention of every person in the United States. While the Gulf disasters are no longer breaking news and the sense of urgency has waned, the people there are still fighting to recover from Hurricane Katrina and from the recent oil spill. As Gulf inhabitants stagger from the oppressive weight of uncertainty and loss of lifestyle, we sit back comfortably in our homes, our offices, our schools, tending to our daily rituals, oblivious to the devastation our brothers and sisters deal with as they come to realize we just don’t care. The economic, cultural, and ecological fallout will last a very long time, but we can help if we are willing….Humanity must step in and make a positive difference in their lives, but we must do it now….American citizens must consider the suffering the residents of the Gulf Coast are facing and take action to help them with a nationally-supported, yet locally-driven solution.

CATHERINE HUBERgrade 11, Stuart Country Day School, PrincetonThird Prize

Recent news coverage has emphasized the financial burden placed on BP as they attempt to clean up the spill and compensate fishermen for their lost profits. But, the impact on the local economy, however, cannot be underestimated….Approximately 13,600 jobs were lost and this job loss will continue to harm the southern economy in the future, as the effects of a lack of healthy seafood and decreased tourism continue to increase job loss. Although it seems overwhelming to address such a major crisis, there are some things that just anyone can do to help out. Consider the following: 1) Purchase specialty items, whose proceeds benefit the restoration of the Gulf ecosystems. 2) Buy BP gas. I know it seems like a contradiction of the rest of this article, but buying BP gas ensures that the people and animals affected will continue to receive the funds that they need. 3) Do not cancel your trip to Louisiana (or Florida or Georgia, etc.). 4) Know where your seafood is coming from. Most Gulf waters have been cleared for fishing and should be sold in a store near you.

WINNERS10

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Conveners

Terri Harris Reed, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and DiversityLianne Sullivan-Crowley, Vice President for Human ResourcesShirley M. Tilghman, President, Princeton University

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Student Contest Judges and Staff

Zia Bartley, Office of Human ResourcesStacey Burd, Office of Human ResourcesTrevor Dawes, Princeton University LibraryJoseph DeLucia, Office of Information TechnologyFelicia Edwards, Office of the ProvostFloe Fusin-Wischusen, Princeton Institute for Computational Science and EngineeringCatherine Geddis, Office of Human ResourcesD.A. Graham, Ombuds OfficeCheri Lawson, Office of the ProvostJennifer Loessy, Center for African American StudiesNicole Klein, Office of Human ResourcesJohn Martin, Office of Human ResourcesAndrea Moten, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Cynthia Murphy, Office of the ProvostNick Robinson, Tigercard OfficeSha Sanyal, Office of the Dean of the CollegeLeah Targon, Office of the Vice President for Information TechnologyMarguerite Vera, Office of Alumni CouncilTorey Wilson, Program in Teacher PreparationCarol Zanca, Department of Anthropology

Special thanks to our event volunteers and for significant contributions from:

Broadcast Center, Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and Cultural Understanding, Center for African American Studies, Office of Communications, Office of Community and Regional Affairs, Office of the President, Office of Print and Mail Services, Office of Public Affairs, Princetonians of Color Network, Richardson Auditorium and University Services, and ASL Interpreters Don Rubel and Stephen Toth

www.princeton.edu/mlk

The MLK Day student contests are open to all 4th through 12th graders in New Jersey. Students may

submit entries as individuals, or through their schools or community organizations. Please be sure to

check www.princeton.edu/mlk periodically for updates and information on next year’s contest theme.

Generally, contest submissions are due in November, before Thanksgiving.

Program by Zia Bartley.Photo Credits: Photo of Van Jones by Zach Gross, photos of Thomas Parker and Josue Lajeunesse by Zia Bartley, photo of Rochelle Ellis by Denise Applewhite, and photo of One Voice provided by Patty Thel.

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