Community members share their stories to kick off MLK Week

On Monday, Augustana kicked off its weeklong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of service, justice and empowerment with words to encourage students interested in continuing Dr. King's work.

In her opening remarks, President of the College Andrea Talentino elaborated on one of Dr. King’s famous quotes: “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” 

“Working for justice must be a group effort, and include not just those who are affected directly,” she said. “We all have a responsibility to connect where we see injustice, even when we may not fully understand it. We must be committed to bettering the system that we live in.”

At the “Empowering Communities and Shaping Our Future” keynote discussion, three community members whose work exemplifies Dr. King’s legacy shared personal stories and offered advice: Avery Pearl  ’18, coordinator, West End Revitalization, MLK Center; Julie Larson, president and CEO, YWCA Quad Cities; and Tee LeShoure, community violence intervention and engagement director, Family Resources; founder, Tee It Up; president, QC Pride Board.

“My drive for this work comes from facing disparities in my community,” Pearl said. “I wanted to be the change, to lead by example … and that’s why I came to Augustana.” He found mentors in Keri Bass and Dr. Chris Whitt, who provided insights and opportunities to help him on his journey.

“Know where you what to go and determine a destination,” Pearl told students. “Find people who share your passion to walk with you.”

All three panelists stressed the importance of teaming up with other individuals or groups and sharing resources to get the work done.

“The YMCA has always been a strong collaborator,” Larson said. “We have limited resources, but when we work with other agencies to meet the needs of our community, we can accomplish so much more.

“We all have big issues in our lives,” she added. “It’s important to dismantle these big issues into little pieces to make a difference in our community.”

LeShoure agreed, and noted that challenging oppressive systems and pursuing justice is also a constant effort. Her advice to be successful? Remind yourself of your “why.” Build connections. Take care of yourself (it’s a heavy job). Pay attention to history, and learn the needs of your community. Understand your privilege and your oppression.

“I enter a room as a learner first, and a leader second,” LeShoure said.

When asked about their proudest moments in the work they do, all three panelists pointed to the people they have helped along the way. Serving those who need to be heard and those in need of essential services has been the most rewarding.

“We inherit the work, and we’re expected to keep it alive,” Pearl said. “Once you start thinking about ‘what’s in it for me,’ the work stops.”

Before the community members’ discussion, Black Student Union officers Aniyah Davis  ’25 and Reigna Hels  ’25 presented a short history of Augustana's Black Student Union, and Charlotte Boyer  ’26, a competitor on “The Voice” in 2020, performed.

MLK Week is sponsored by Augustana’s Diversity Council and Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, in partnership with the Reading/Writing Center, Office of Student Life and Leadership, Thomas Tredway Library, Department of Education, Asian Student Organization, Black Student Union, Delta Omega Nu, Latinx Unidos, the Student Government Association and other student organizations.