Bucks County junior high and high school students are invited to participate in the 12th annual MLK Peace and Social Justice Summit on Sunday.
This year’s theme “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365” was announced by the King Center for what marks the 40th official King Holiday Observance on Monday, Jan. 20.
Nonviolence365 is the King Center’s education and training tool for enacting positive social change through nonviolent actions. The King Center said the theme honors the late Dr. King’s dedication to freedom and justice through nonviolence.
“It serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding freedom, justice, and democracy is achievable when we unite in love and nonviolence,” said The King Center.
Jerel Wohl, co-chair of the MLK Teen Summit, said the theme will give the students a chance to express their perspectives through words and art about how they view freedom today.
Wohl said the program was started after students at Central Bucks School District experienced antisemitism from fellow students drawing swastikas in the condensation on the window of the school bus.
“If students can learn and appreciate each other, you know, in a respectful and profound way, then that will be a significant accomplishment of the summit, especially as it relates to Dr. King’s dream on the weekend that we honor his life and legacy,” Wohl said.
The summit starts at 4 p.m. and will be emceed by Harry Jones III, an author and international speaker. Jones will speak to the audience about his personal experience facing and overcoming his struggles.
This year the summit is adding an art showcase for students to share their original works of poetry and prose, dance, music and art. This addition to the summit provides students with an avenue to better express how they feel through their chosen art form.
“It brings kind of a deeper level of thought into what students are feeling right now about freedom and about the legacy of Dr. King and what really matters to them,” Wohl said.
After the showcase, participants will break into small groups with trained facilitators to discuss the theme and how they relate to it with their own experiences.
“I think having people share their feelings in a safe place with their peers, empowers them to be able to address concerns that they may have, fears they may have, apprehensions that they may have, and allows them to explore it a little more,” Wohl said.
At the end of the event, participants share what they discovered in their small group session.
“The energy and enthusiasm that the students have during that time is just, it’s electrifying, and it really gives you such hope for our future,” Wohl said.
The summit serves 9th through 12th graders (and mature 7th and 8th graders), but is open to the community with sessions for educators, parents, and all members of the community. It will take place at William Tennent High School, 333 Centennial Road, Warminster, PA 18974. Register HERE.
