Remembering the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear Skidmore Community, 

‌I write today with my annual message to our community on the occasion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday — always an apt moment to reflect on the values, principles, and teachings of Dr. King, and the vital relevance of his messages for us today. 

‌This year I am thinking constantly of one of King’s foremost messages, what the contemporary novelist Charles Johnson describes as “others first. Always.” King famously said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" That simple question sums up his life and his noble work. 

‌I find that question particularly pressing in our current moment. In recent years, I’ve used this message as an opportunity to talk about the challenges we face in our polarized, anxious, fractured society, and especially the challenges of getting past our differences and seeing instead our simple, common humanity. King is the philosopher who best urges us to clear the cataracts in our vision and see — and, yes, love — one another for the fellow human beings we are. Indeed, King wrote, “Love is the greatest force in the universe.” 

‌Johnson — who received an honorary degree from Skidmore two years ago — reflects in his great novel about King, titled “Dreamer,” “The Way of agapic love, with its bottomless demands, had proven too hard for this nation. Hatred and competition were easier ... far less challenging than King’s belief in the beloved community.” In our own day, we are tasked to reject hatred, to ask how we can be of service to others, and to embrace one another in community. That’s a tough, demanding message, but it is our greatest hope. 

‌As we pay tribute to Dr. King, Skidmore is again partnering with MLK Saratoga to support a weekend of inspiring community programming that celebrates his life and legacy. I encourage all members of our community to participate in Dr. King Celebration Weekend events from Friday, Jan. 12, through Monday, Jan. 15. A full schedule of presentations, performances, and service opportunities can be found on MLK Saratoga’s website. All events are free and open to the public. 

‌As we approach this holiday, I wish all of us peace and hope in this new year. 

‌Sincerely, 

‌Marc Conner 

‌President