Nebraska youth rally honors MLK’s legacy with call to action for unity and love

LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska at Lincoln commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the 31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally, bringing the community together both in person and online. This year’s theme, “The Audacity to Walk Together in Love,” was inspired by Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize speech, urging participants to act with courage, unity and compassion.

Organized by K–12 youth scholars, the rally celebrated the legacies of Dr. King and local civil rights leader Dr. Leola Bullock, encouraging young people to transform love into action. Becklin, a planning committee member, highlighted the importance of perseverance, stating that audacity means “pushing forward even after setbacks while staying committed to change.”

Moigen Boyd Jr., a rally member, challenged attendees to engage in “one kind, audacious talk with your neighbor,” emphasizing that “the world doesn’t change from loudest talks. It changes from the bravest ones.” Addison Olds, another rally member, echoed Dr. King’s sentiment that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” noting its continued relevance.

For many students, Dr. King’s message still resonates just as powerfully today.

“King once said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and today that echoes louder than ever,” said Addison Olds, a member of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally.

Lead advisor Peter Ferguson, in his 29th year, affirmed that the rally remains focused on Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community, rooted in purpose and love. Belinda Qiao, also a rally member, reminded participants that “each of us has the power to be part of the solution” by learning from one another and embracing differences.

The UNITY CommUNITY Rally featured music, storytelling and interactive activities, while the Call to Action Program showcased original youth performances, spoken word, and a reenactment of April 4, 1968. The event concluded with performances from the Rally CommUNITY Choir and a special message from Jamersyn Hughes, Junior Mayor of Statesboro, Georgia.