Riverside City College Hosted Inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Brunch

Riverside City College (RCC) successfully hosted its second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Brunch on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The event, held from 11- 2:30 PM, drew a diverse group of community members, students, educators, and local leaders to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy of social justice, service, and equality.

This year’s theme, Martin Luther King and the Call to Conscience, centered on the idea of how we must challenge ourselves to rise to the occasion in the face of social change. Keynote speaker Dr. Nana Chike Akua, an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Clark Atlanta University, renowned author, and advocate for educational transformation, delivered an impactful address that went beyond the traditional discussion of race. He emphasized the importance of consciousness and individual responsibility in shaping a more equitable future. Students and community members were able to join Dr. Akua in a Q & A to answer pressing questions that they might have. 

Dr. Akua discussed how we must adjust the way we see the world and recognize that our approach to rising issues might not always be the best or only way. He urged the audience to reconsider how they engage with challenges, stressing that a shift in perspective is crucial to driving change. His message was clear: real transformation comes from expanding our views and considering new ways to address systemic problems.

Drawing from his own journey as an underperforming student who became an educational leader, Dr. Akua inspired the audience to embrace Dr. King’s call to action and focus on creating opportunities for equity and access in education. His powerful speech included a thought-provoking quote from Neely Fuller: "We are living in a time of maximum sophisticated confusion."

Dr. Akua challenged attendees to rise above the confusion and make conscious decisions that promote justice and equality.

The brunch also featured remarks from RCCD Chancellor Dr. Isaac, who noted, “Our shared responsibility is to carry forward the work of Dr. King through action and service in our communities. His legacy is not only about remembering the past but actively shaping the future with intention and compassion.”

Riverside City College President Dr. Claire Oliveros expressed her pride in RCC’s ongoing commitment to Dr. King’s vision, stating, “At Riverside City College, we continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy by providing spaces for dialogue, understanding, and action. We know that change starts with each of us, and together, we can create lasting impact.”

The brunch provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with Dr. Akua, as he welcomed questions and encouraged dialogue with the community. This interactive session fostered a deeper understanding of how each individual can contribute to the vision of a just society, building on Dr. King’s dream of peace and equality for all.

“We are proud to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to conscience by creating a space for reflection, dialogue, and action,” said Dr. Cruz-Soto, Dean of Student Services at RCC. “At Riverside City College, we are committed to fostering opportunities for all to rise to the occasion and make meaningful contributions to the causes of equity and justice.”

RCC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Brunch was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired to continue their work toward creating a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.

For more information about future RCC events, please visit www.rcc.edu.